Tech is taking MS education to the next level, literally
For decades, Mississippi was behind in education.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted advancements that are giving Mississippi a promising future. Although the state was already working hard on improving education, the pandemic added extra pressure to address long-known issues such as lack of learning devices and few science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education offerings.
In 2014, Mississippi was ranked 48th in the United States for education. But in 2020 and 2021, we rose to 39th in the country, according to data released in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2021 Data Book. State leaders took large steps to begin tackling the divide in technology access, and it has made a huge difference. Not only are students learning more and scoring better, but they are better equipped for secondary education and innovative tech careers.
The pandemic forced students into distanced learning, exposing outdated technology in schools and the lack of technology at home. Programs, such as Mississippi Connects, stepped up to address and equip students with devices to learn at school and at home. Mississippi Connects activated quickly during the pandemic but has continued answering schools’ requests for Chromebooks and other technologies to ensure education continues seamlessly no matter the circumstances. Equipping students with current technology places an important avenue for learning at their fingertips and contributes to their overall mastery of technology.
Mississippi universities and colleges have put in the effort to bring innovative professors and professionals to offer programs and courses in the STEM field. Offering more STEM options for students is opening new doors and connecting them to innovative careers in tech. These higher education institutions understand the value of an education in STEM and are working to connect students to careers in the fields of science and technology before they reach college.
The University of Southern Mississippi, in collaboration with the Mississippi Department of Education, used funding from Governor’s Emergency Education Response to make Learning Blade available to middle schools all around the state. Learning Blade offers tools to expose students to computer science and cyber security careers early and show students the connection between their studies and their career while they still have time to prepare.
In addition to substantial CARES Act funding, tech companies, nonprofits and educational institutions have bound together to fund major changes in Mississippi’s education ecosystem. Their efforts are making the difference and boosting Mississippi’ education into the 21st century and up national rankings. Innovative companies see the potential Mississippi students have to offer and are making investments to help them reach their full potential and hopefully pursue a career in science, math or technology.
Mississippi has a long way to go, but investing in our children’s education is an investment in our state’s future. Mississippi officials and school districts should be doing more than allowing tech companies and nonprofits to invest in their digital capabilities – they should welcome and recruit them to form long-lasting relationships with the state’s educational institutions to ensure developments do not plateau and leave Mississippi students behind.
Jason Dean of Jackson is a former Mississippi State Board of Education chairman. He has degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi and University of Mississippi.