Testing Scandal Rocks Mississippi Education Department, Leading to Invalidated Results and Staff Firings

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has invalidated nearly 1,000 spring 2023 state assessment results after uncovering testing irregularities in five districts and 12 schools. The invalidated tests were in various grades and subjects, ranging from 8% to 94% of tests taken in each subject at each school. The MDE notified the affected districts and gave them 15 working days to conduct investigations. Some districts found violations of test security rules, leading to potential disciplinary action and criminal charges. Students with invalidated high school test results will need to retake the exams, and schools with invalidated scores may face downgraded accreditation status.