James Mosteller is a Legislative Director for ExcelinEd in Action.
Mississippi’s 2026 legislative session produced significant education policy wins aimed at improving student achievement and expanding opportunity statewide.
Lawmakers advanced a broad package of reforms focused on adolescent literacy, math success and computer science instruction while also expanding apprenticeships, career and technical education and adult workforce training programs. Together, the measures continue Mississippi’s efforts to support the foundations of learning and to align K-12 education, college and career pathways and workforce needs.
Below is a look at key laws signed by Gov. Tate Reeves, their statewide impact and what’s next for lawmakers during the 2027 legislative session.
Mississippi built its national reputation by moving from 49th to ninth in fourth grade reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) since 2013. With the adoption of A-F school grading policy and the Literacy-Based Promotion Act, Mississippi’s gains are a result of comprehensive school accountability and early literacy policy that includes strong instruction, early identification of struggling readers and timely interventions.
While fourth grade students in Mississippi have made impressive strides, 2024 NAEP data show Mississippi eighth grade students ranked 41st in the nation in reading, indicating a greater need for support beyond early elementary grades. In 2026, lawmakers acted and extended literacy supports into the middle grades, taking a critical next step to ensure students continue to receive instruction grounded in the science of reading and educators are equipped with the support needed to sustain progress.
Championed by Senate Education Committee Chair Dennis DeBar and House Education Committee Chair Rob Roberson, SB 2294 established a statewide adolescent literacy framework focused on students in grades 4-8. The law:
By supporting educators with teaching skills and adolescent students in developing reading and advanced decoding skills, Mississippi lawmakers are doubling down on their commitment to literacy, becoming one of a handful of states to lead in comprehensively addressing adolescent literacy.
In addition to the creation of adolescent literacy policy, SB 2294 creates similar strong academic foundations in math. Data from the 2024 NAEP show just 38% of Mississippi fourth grade students and 22% of eighth grade students are performing at or above NAEP Proficient, signaling that Mississippi students would benefit from a comprehensive math policy.
Success in math is a strong indicator of economic opportunity and the establishment of the Mississippi Math Act, sponsored by Sen. Nicole Boyd, makes a major investment in the state’s students and economic future. Provisions of the law include:
With these steps, Mississippi’s math approach moves beyond remediation after failure and instead establishes an approach for identifying learning gaps and delivering targeted support earlier. Students are more likely to stay on track when schools have clear expectations and educators have strong instructional tools, supports and interventions.
In 2026, Mississippi lawmakers also advanced several policies designed to strengthen the connection between education and workforce demand.
Rep. Donnie Bell and Sen. Nicole Boyd’s HB 562 establishes the UPSKILL Mississippi Grant Program for adult learners aged 24 and older. The last-dollar financial aid program helps eligible students earn technical certificates and associate degrees in high-demand fields after other financial aid is applied. In addition to tuition support, participating students will receive wrap-around support services, including career coaching, book stipends and emergency grant funding to help address barriers that often prevent adult learners from completing credentials.
Additionally, Rep. Bell’s HB 1696 establishes the Mississippi Office of Apprenticeship within the Department of Employment Security and creates a statewide apprenticeship council to coordinate expansion efforts. The new structure will increase access to high-quality apprenticeship and youth apprenticeship programs aligned with the state’s economic priorities.
The legislature also expanded support for career and technical education through SB 2288. Championed by Sen. DeBar, the law expands the uses of career and technical education incentive grant funds to include equipment in high-demand industries, ensuring students can learn on industry-standard equipment and graduate prepared to succeed in Mississippi’s most promising careers.
Provisions in SB 2294 also aim to better prepare students for college and career and build life skills, including:
The expansion of opportunities in computer science and financial literacy emphasizes the state’s commitment to preparing students for long-term “real-world” success.
Together, these measures reflect Mississippi lawmakers’ continued focus on strengthening workforce readiness, expanding credential attainment and connecting students to high-demand career pathways.
Access to facilities remains one of the biggest barriers facing public charter schools nationwide. To expand access to unused public facilities for charter schools, Gov. Reeves signed Rep. Shanda Yates’ HB 1395, clarifying a charter school’s first right of refusal on unused school district property.
Ultimately, the law will help charter schools reduce startup costs and expand access to more families, particularly in communities where educational options remain limited.
Teacher quality remains the most significant in-school driver of student achievement, and lawmakers used the 2026 legislative session to make an investment in educators statewide. Sen. DeBar’s SB 2103 included a $2,000 salary supplement for teachers, assistant teachers and postsecondary instructors.
The 2026 legislative session saw Mississippi lawmakers advance policies aimed at improving literacy and math achievement, modernizing workforce preparation and expanding opportunity, all during a difficult budget year.
As lawmakers prepare for 2027, Mississippi is likely to remain focused on expanding college and career pathways, increasing educational flexibility for families and continuing the discussion about outcomes-based funding for higher education to ensure a positive return on investment for Mississippi’s students.
If sustained over time, these reforms will strengthen Mississippi’s position as a national leader in education improvement while helping more students graduate prepared for college, careers and long-term economic success.
