MAE 2023 Legislative Priorities
Stronger Schools. Stronger Mississippi
Vision Statement
To support educators in uplifting their voices, experiences, and civic power to help guide local and state decision-making for the benefit of our students and public schools.
FULLY FUND OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS THROUGH THE MISSISSIPPI ADEQUATE EDUCATION PROGRAM (MAEP)
Establish and begin implementing a plan to ensure every student and educator has the resources to receive and provide a high-quality education. Ensure that public dollars only fund public schools that serve and support all students.
SECURE UNIVERSAL PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN
Establish pre-k and kindergarten programs for every early education student in the state. Include pre-k and kindergarten students in ADA counts.
SUPPORT EDUCATOR RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION THROUGH INVESTMENTS IN RESIDENCY PROGRAMS, COMPETITIVE SUPPORTS, AND CONTRACT SECURITY
- Invest in the teacher salary schedule to enable Mississippi teachers' to be the best paid in the Southeast region by increasing state funding and local supplements.
- Secure a living wage for Education Support Professionals and school staff by establishing a minimum $15 per hour starting wage.
- Work to reduce the out-of-pocket costs for healthcare plans and medical access.
- Expand the Winter-Reed Teacher Loan Repayment Program to include additional applications and more significant annual awards.
- Establish a unified criterion for teacher contract renewal and due process for teachers based upon years of service (i.e., five years, ten years, etc.).
- Provide an employment contract for non-certified classroom personnel.
REVAMP MISSISSIPPI ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM FROM TESTING TO LEARNING
The current reliance on high-stakes testing as a significant accountability measure harms the classroom environment and students' success. Educators are forced to teach to the test, and students are impacted by the pressures associated with testing periods. A more comprehensive approach is warranted as we seek to provide students with the public education they need and deserve to be successful in a 21st-century economy.
INVESTMENT IN SCHOOL RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
- Invest in expanding the availability and renewal of the resources most needed for our students and educators to succeed.
- Expand the allotment of financial resources available to improve school infrastructure to ensure safe and strong schools.
ESTABLISH COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
A community school is at the center of the community. It brings together academics, health and social services, youth and community development, and community engagement under one roof, leading to improved learning, stronger families, and healthier communities.
- Secure funding to support these innovative learning collaboratives.
- Provide wraparound services in areas of the state most in need of additional support for their students.
SET STATEWIDE TRAUMA-INFORMED PRACTICES STANDARDS
- Support school staff in receiving trauma-informed practices training continuingly.
- Require districts to develop trauma-informed practice plans that prioritize a whole-child approach in and out of the classroom.
