Carey Wright
Dec 3, 2022: Sam R Hall: Daily Journal: Mississippi school districts should give serious consideration to year-round school calendar
The Mississippi Legislature in 2020 held hearings on balanced calendars. Stephen L. Pruit with the Southern Regional Education Board admitted then that the research was thin. But then-State Superintendent Carey Wright made an interesting point.
"Where they are finding success (with research) are in areas with low-income children, children with disabilities and children who do not speak English," she told lawmakers then. "Because those intersession (break) times are perfect for those kids (to get caught up)."
The Mississippi Legislature in 2020 held hearings on balanced calendars. Stephen L. Pruit with the Southern Regional Education Board admitted then that the research was thin. But then-State Superintendent Carey Wright made an interesting point.
"Where they are finding success (with research) are in areas with low-income children, children with disabilities and children who do not speak English," she told lawmakers then. "Because those intersession (break) times are perfect for those kids (to get caught up)."
April 21, 2022: Mississippi Department of Education: Dr. Carey Wright announces retirement after historic tenure of record student achievement in Mississippi
For Immediate Release: April 21, 2022
JACKSON, Miss. – After a 50-year career in public education, State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright, Ed.D., will retire on June 30, 2022.
The Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) appointed Dr. Wright to be the state’s top pre-K-12 education official in 2013. Her tenure in Mississippi has been longer and marked by more student gains than any state superintendent of education since the Education Reform Act of 1982 established the SBE. Nationally, Dr. Wright is one of the longest-serving state education chiefs of the 21st century.
Under Dr. Wright’s leadership, the state initiated successful education reforms that made Mississippi a national leader for improving student achievement. Mississippi’s Quality Counts grade for education improved from an F to a C-, its ranking climbed from 50th to 35th and the graduation rate rose from 75.5% to 88.4% – higher than the national average. Among students with disabilities, the graduation rate more than doubled from 23.2% to 59.9%. Mississippi 4th graders in 2013 were reading more than one full grade level behind the national average on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). By 2019, Mississippi 4th graders scored higher than the nation’s public school average in mathematics, tied the nation in reading and ranked No. 1 in the nation for making the largest score gains. The rapid progress of Mississippi students earned the state Quality Counts’ No. 2 ranking in the nation for improvement in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
“Dr. Wright never wavered from her belief that Mississippi students were just as capable as students in any other state,” said Rosemary Aultman, SBE chair. “She eliminated the culture of low expectations and proved our students could achieve at the highest levels. States throughout the country now turn to Mississippi to learn about our successful strategies for raising student achievement. Dr. Wright’s leadership has improved educational opportunities and outcomes for a generation of Mississippi students.”
A passionate advocate for early childhood education, Dr. Wright implemented Mississippi’s first publicly funded Early Learning Collaborative program, which earned the state recognition from the National Institute for Early Education Research as one of only six states in the nation that meet all 10 quality standards for early childhood education. The program has grown from 11 collaboratives serving 1,700 children in 2014 to 30 collaboratives that will serve 6,000 children in 2022-23.
Dr. Wright spearheaded initiatives that have increased literacy skills in pre-K through the grade 3, pushed student achievement on the NAEP to improve at a faster rate than most other states, and nearly doubled the Advancement Placement participation and success rate. Pre-pandemic, Mississippi students achieved significant annual gains in English Language Arts and Mathematics proficiency. Though the pandemic disrupted learning throughout the country, Mississippi’s assessment scores did not fall as much as they did in other states.
Dr. Wright’s most recent innovation includes the Mississippi Connects program, which provided every student in the state with a computer device to learn at school or at home. The program includes enhanced internet connectivity, high-quality digital content, professional development for teachers and administrators, digital learning coaches and the launch of telehealth/teletherapy in schools starting in the 2022-23 school year.
She also implemented the Mississippi Teacher Residency, which provides scholarships and mentors to aspiring teachers, and the Performance-Based Licensure program, which helps Mississippi teachers with provisional licenses become fully licensed. The next teacher residency cohort will provide graduate degree scholarships for 200 aspiring elementary and special education teachers.
Throughout her tenure as Mississippi's state education chief, Dr. Wright has been an active member and leader of numerous national and state boards and organizations that advance the field of education. Notably, the U.S. Secretary of Education appointed her in 2019 to the National Assessment Governing Board, which sets policy for NAEP, the Nation’s Report Card. In 2022, Dr. Wright earned the Mississippi Top 50 Most Influential Leaders Award.
“Leading education in Mississippi has been the honor and privilege of my life. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity I have been given to work with dedicated educators and leaders across Mississippi, the entire Mississippi Department of Education team and committed State Board members and legislative leaders. Together we have worked to make a difference in the lives of children.” Dr. Wright said. “Most especially, I am incredibly proud of Mississippi students. There is no limit to what they can accomplish.”
The SBE will announce plans for Dr. Wright’s transition and its search for a new state superintendent of education once the details have been finalized.
For Immediate Release: April 21, 2022
JACKSON, Miss. – After a 50-year career in public education, State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright, Ed.D., will retire on June 30, 2022.
The Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) appointed Dr. Wright to be the state’s top pre-K-12 education official in 2013. Her tenure in Mississippi has been longer and marked by more student gains than any state superintendent of education since the Education Reform Act of 1982 established the SBE. Nationally, Dr. Wright is one of the longest-serving state education chiefs of the 21st century.
Under Dr. Wright’s leadership, the state initiated successful education reforms that made Mississippi a national leader for improving student achievement. Mississippi’s Quality Counts grade for education improved from an F to a C-, its ranking climbed from 50th to 35th and the graduation rate rose from 75.5% to 88.4% – higher than the national average. Among students with disabilities, the graduation rate more than doubled from 23.2% to 59.9%. Mississippi 4th graders in 2013 were reading more than one full grade level behind the national average on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). By 2019, Mississippi 4th graders scored higher than the nation’s public school average in mathematics, tied the nation in reading and ranked No. 1 in the nation for making the largest score gains. The rapid progress of Mississippi students earned the state Quality Counts’ No. 2 ranking in the nation for improvement in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
“Dr. Wright never wavered from her belief that Mississippi students were just as capable as students in any other state,” said Rosemary Aultman, SBE chair. “She eliminated the culture of low expectations and proved our students could achieve at the highest levels. States throughout the country now turn to Mississippi to learn about our successful strategies for raising student achievement. Dr. Wright’s leadership has improved educational opportunities and outcomes for a generation of Mississippi students.”
A passionate advocate for early childhood education, Dr. Wright implemented Mississippi’s first publicly funded Early Learning Collaborative program, which earned the state recognition from the National Institute for Early Education Research as one of only six states in the nation that meet all 10 quality standards for early childhood education. The program has grown from 11 collaboratives serving 1,700 children in 2014 to 30 collaboratives that will serve 6,000 children in 2022-23.
Dr. Wright spearheaded initiatives that have increased literacy skills in pre-K through the grade 3, pushed student achievement on the NAEP to improve at a faster rate than most other states, and nearly doubled the Advancement Placement participation and success rate. Pre-pandemic, Mississippi students achieved significant annual gains in English Language Arts and Mathematics proficiency. Though the pandemic disrupted learning throughout the country, Mississippi’s assessment scores did not fall as much as they did in other states.
Dr. Wright’s most recent innovation includes the Mississippi Connects program, which provided every student in the state with a computer device to learn at school or at home. The program includes enhanced internet connectivity, high-quality digital content, professional development for teachers and administrators, digital learning coaches and the launch of telehealth/teletherapy in schools starting in the 2022-23 school year.
She also implemented the Mississippi Teacher Residency, which provides scholarships and mentors to aspiring teachers, and the Performance-Based Licensure program, which helps Mississippi teachers with provisional licenses become fully licensed. The next teacher residency cohort will provide graduate degree scholarships for 200 aspiring elementary and special education teachers.
Throughout her tenure as Mississippi's state education chief, Dr. Wright has been an active member and leader of numerous national and state boards and organizations that advance the field of education. Notably, the U.S. Secretary of Education appointed her in 2019 to the National Assessment Governing Board, which sets policy for NAEP, the Nation’s Report Card. In 2022, Dr. Wright earned the Mississippi Top 50 Most Influential Leaders Award.
“Leading education in Mississippi has been the honor and privilege of my life. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity I have been given to work with dedicated educators and leaders across Mississippi, the entire Mississippi Department of Education team and committed State Board members and legislative leaders. Together we have worked to make a difference in the lives of children.” Dr. Wright said. “Most especially, I am incredibly proud of Mississippi students. There is no limit to what they can accomplish.”
The SBE will announce plans for Dr. Wright’s transition and its search for a new state superintendent of education once the details have been finalized.
June 14, 2016: Clarion Ledger: Wright's former co-workers get $600,000 in contracts
In response to an interview request, Wright provided a written statement that said when she came to the agency in 2013, MDE’s IT department “needed urgent and major work” when it came to infrastructure, software and data management, and that a personnel evaluation was necessary to determine if they needed new training or skills.
In response to an interview request, Wright provided a written statement that said when she came to the agency in 2013, MDE’s IT department “needed urgent and major work” when it came to infrastructure, software and data management, and that a personnel evaluation was necessary to determine if they needed new training or skills.
May 18, 2016: WLOX: MS Education chief: Take no action on transgender bathrooms
In a statement released Wednesday morning, Dr. Carey Wright wrote, "Pending a discussion with the Mississippi State Board of Education, I am instructing the Mississippi Department of Education to follow the lead of state leadership and take no action at this time regarding the non-regulatory guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Education."
In a statement released Wednesday morning, Dr. Carey Wright wrote, "Pending a discussion with the Mississippi State Board of Education, I am instructing the Mississippi Department of Education to follow the lead of state leadership and take no action at this time regarding the non-regulatory guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Education."
May 17, 2016: WXXV: State Reps ask Mississippi Dept. of Education to Oppose Order
Eleven state representatives from northern Mississippi have written an open letter to state superintendent Dr. Carey Wright.
Eleven state representatives from northern Mississippi have written an open letter to state superintendent Dr. Carey Wright.
May 16, 2016: Clarion Ledger: Bryant vetoes Ed Dept. personnel board exemptionGov.
In the first year of the exemption, state Superintendent of Education Carey Wright reported she had laid off about 30 employees as part of reorganization, and more could be coming.
In the first year of the exemption, state Superintendent of Education Carey Wright reported she had laid off about 30 employees as part of reorganization, and more could be coming.
Apr 28, 2016: Jackson Free Press: Common Core Tests Glitch Across State
"With any statewide online assessment, we expected some technology glitches. The connectivity issues were quickly addressed and students who were affected resumed testing," state superintendent Dr. Carey Wright said in a Mississippi Department of Education statement yesterday.
"With any statewide online assessment, we expected some technology glitches. The connectivity issues were quickly addressed and students who were affected resumed testing," state superintendent Dr. Carey Wright said in a Mississippi Department of Education statement yesterday.
Apr 26, 2016: Clarion Ledger: Mississippi graduation rate improves
State Superintendent Carey Wright is attributing the increase to school districts' efforts to increase attendance and target at-risk students.
State Superintendent Carey Wright is attributing the increase to school districts' efforts to increase attendance and target at-risk students.
Mar 18, 2016: WJTV: Mississippi to regulate restraint and seclusion of students
Some advocates wanted schools banned from using seclusion, but say the final rule is an improvement. They praised Superintendent Carey Wright for the changes.
Some advocates wanted schools banned from using seclusion, but say the final rule is an improvement. They praised Superintendent Carey Wright for the changes.
Feb 25, 2016: MBJ: After vote recount, third-grade reading bill fails Senate
State Superintendent Carey Wright wants to raise requirements because students now must score at only basic levels.
State Superintendent Carey Wright wants to raise requirements because students now must score at only basic levels.
Feb 24, 2016: Hattiesburg American: Senators barely pass plan raising reading requirements
State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright wants to raise requirements because students now must score at only a basic level, meaning some pass without reading proficiently.
State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright wants to raise requirements because students now must score at only a basic level, meaning some pass without reading proficiently.
Feb 3, 2016: NewsMs: Bill Proposes Salary Cut, Moving Funds into Schools
Current state superintendent Carey Wright’s current base salary sits at $307,125. If this bill were to pass, effective July 1, 2016, her pay could not exceed that of the governor. The current base salary for the governor in the Magnolia state is $122,160. That’s a nearly $185,000
Current state superintendent Carey Wright’s current base salary sits at $307,125. If this bill were to pass, effective July 1, 2016, her pay could not exceed that of the governor. The current base salary for the governor in the Magnolia state is $122,160. That’s a nearly $185,000
Jan 22, 2016: Jackson Free Press: Mississippi Public School Districts Make AP Honor Roll
"It's tweaking," said state Superintendent Carey Wright, a strong supporter of what are officially called the Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards. She launched a review of the guidelines this summer after criticism by Gov. Phil Bryant and some lawmakers.
"It's tweaking," said state Superintendent Carey Wright, a strong supporter of what are officially called the Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards. She launched a review of the guidelines this summer after criticism by Gov. Phil Bryant and some lawmakers.
Dec 28, 2015: Jackson Free Press: Groups Blasts Pre-K Program Report as 'Ill-Conceived'
Carey Wright, the state superintendent of education also critiqued the report's timing. Dec 22, 2015: Jackson Free Press: State Superintendent: Take Test Results Seriously
"We have a long way to go, but at least this is a pretty good foundation," State Superintendent Carey Wright said during a Dec. 16 conference call with reporters. Dec 16, 2015: Clarion Ledger: Clarksdale principal accused of cheating
State superintendent Carey Wright said the department's investigation showed Tyler-Jones "directed and encouraged" cheating during state testing. |
Dec 9, 2015: Gulf Live: Legislative report questions Mississippi preschool program
That finding brought an angry response from education officials, who had already jousted this year with PEER over the committee's report questioning how Mississippi grades its public school districts and individual schools. State Superintendent Carey Wright, in a statement Wednesday, said the report doesn't meet education research standards.
That finding brought an angry response from education officials, who had already jousted this year with PEER over the committee's report questioning how Mississippi grades its public school districts and individual schools. State Superintendent Carey Wright, in a statement Wednesday, said the report doesn't meet education research standards.
Oct 29, 2015: Jackson free Press: National Report Card: State Still Below Proficient
At a press conference at Eastside Elementary School in Clinton, Dr. Carey Wright, the state superintendent of education, congratulated a group of fifth graders who took the NAEP assessments last year.
At a press conference at Eastside Elementary School in Clinton, Dr. Carey Wright, the state superintendent of education, congratulated a group of fifth graders who took the NAEP assessments last year.
"We've got some work to do there, and we also know Mississippi is in the bottom tier. We're not trying to say we're not, but we are headed in the right direction." --Carey Wright 10.29.15
Oct 16, 2015: Gulf Live: Mississippi taking closer look at school contractors
"We have noticed that at times, the money that was expended is not necessarily giving us the results we'd like," said state Superintendent Carey Wright. "We're going to hold their feet to the fire a little closer."
"We have noticed that at times, the money that was expended is not necessarily giving us the results we'd like," said state Superintendent Carey Wright. "We're going to hold their feet to the fire a little closer."
Sept 22, 2015: William Carey University:State Superintendent of Education Speaks at Carey
Dr. Carey Wright (left), superintendent of the Mississippi Department of Education, poses with Dr. Ben Burnett, dean of the William Carey University School of Education, prior to her lecture to the Pine Belt chapter of Phi Delta Kappa International’s fall forum at the Carey Hattiesburg campus on September 22. D
Dr. Carey Wright (left), superintendent of the Mississippi Department of Education, poses with Dr. Ben Burnett, dean of the William Carey University School of Education, prior to her lecture to the Pine Belt chapter of Phi Delta Kappa International’s fall forum at the Carey Hattiesburg campus on September 22. D
Sept 21, 2015: Mississippi PEP: Supt. Wright refuses to say what education programs she would cut to fund MAEP.
On Monday, during the first of two days of hearings on agency budget requests, Reeves asked Superintendent of Education Carey Wright to choose between fully funding the Mississippi Adequate Education Program and funding other education programs, such as reading coaches to aid literacy efforts in the early grades and pre-kindergarten programs.
On Monday, during the first of two days of hearings on agency budget requests, Reeves asked Superintendent of Education Carey Wright to choose between fully funding the Mississippi Adequate Education Program and funding other education programs, such as reading coaches to aid literacy efforts in the early grades and pre-kindergarten programs.
Sept 17, 2015: Gulf Live: Mississippi education survey positive on Common Core-linked standards
State Superintendent Carey Wright has strongly supported what are officially known as the Mississippi College and Career-Ready Standards. Like other Common Core-derived academic standards, they are intended to provide national benchmarks while helping students learn more analytically and less by memorization.
State Superintendent Carey Wright has strongly supported what are officially known as the Mississippi College and Career-Ready Standards. Like other Common Core-derived academic standards, they are intended to provide national benchmarks while helping students learn more analytically and less by memorization.
Sept 8, 2015: MPB: State Education Department Seeks Comment On Academic Standards
State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright says the responses will be given to a group of local teachers and content specialists.
State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright says the responses will be given to a group of local teachers and content specialists.
June 20, 2015: Bill Crawford: Sun Herald: Education standards review process is a joke
When all is said and done and the board votes in December, we will finally have a set of Mississippi-centric college- and career-ready standards that every person in the state has had an opportunity to comment on," touted state Superintendent of Education Carey Wright.
When all is said and done and the board votes in December, we will finally have a set of Mississippi-centric college- and career-ready standards that every person in the state has had an opportunity to comment on," touted state Superintendent of Education Carey Wright.
June 16, 2015: Clarion Ledger: Judge halts MDE's hearing on Clarksdale cheating claims
He also said state Superintendent of Education Carey Wright prejudged his client's guilt at an April 23 press conference during which she announced the charges against Smith-Kemp.
He also said state Superintendent of Education Carey Wright prejudged his client's guilt at an April 23 press conference during which she announced the charges against Smith-Kemp.
May 4, 2015: Clarion Ledger: Ed officials seek public input on Common Core
State Superintendent Carey Wright says the state Department of Education will conduct its own study of the embattled Common Core education standards and take public input, but she still supports them for Mississippi schools
State Superintendent Carey Wright says the state Department of Education will conduct its own study of the embattled Common Core education standards and take public input, but she still supports them for Mississippi schools
Apr 30, 2015: Mississippi PEP: Carey Wright to speak at Stennis Capitol Press Forum on Monday.
Superintendent of Education Carey Wright will be the speaker at the Stennis Capitol Press Forum on Monday May 4.
Superintendent of Education Carey Wright will be the speaker at the Stennis Capitol Press Forum on Monday May 4.
Apr 24, 2015: MBJ: ALAN TURNER: Education in Mississippi – good and bad news
At a recent lunch meeting sponsored by the Madison County Business League & Foundation, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carey Wright delivered an assessment of public education in Mississippi.
At a recent lunch meeting sponsored by the Madison County Business League & Foundation, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carey Wright delivered an assessment of public education in Mississippi.
Apr 23, 2015: WTOK: State Seeks Revocation of Teacher's License
State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright says the department filed an administrative complaint Thursday against Francis Smith-Kemp.
State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright says the department filed an administrative complaint Thursday against Francis Smith-Kemp.
Apr 16, 2015: MAE: Testing contract goes to Questar for $122M
"We are very happy," said state Superintendent of Education Carey Wright after the vote. "They are in 19 different states, and it makes us confident to know that other people use them and have had good experiences with them."
"We are very happy," said state Superintendent of Education Carey Wright after the vote. "They are in 19 different states, and it makes us confident to know that other people use them and have had good experiences with them."
Apr 16, 2015: Clarion Ledger: Mississippi to regulate seclusion, restraint in schools
"This has become a national issue," said state Superintendent of Education Carey Wright at the board's monthly meeting Thursday in Jackson. "There have been children who have been severely injured and some who have even died because they were restrained improperly."
"This has become a national issue," said state Superintendent of Education Carey Wright at the board's monthly meeting Thursday in Jackson. "There have been children who have been severely injured and some who have even died because they were restrained improperly."
Mar 20, 2015: Clarion Ledger: Mississippi ends testing requirement for diploma
State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright had first announced her intentions to end the graduation requirement during a legislative meeting earlier this month. It came just as the Senate Education Committee was prepared to pass a bill essentially doing the same thing.
State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright had first announced her intentions to end the graduation requirement during a legislative meeting earlier this month. It came just as the Senate Education Committee was prepared to pass a bill essentially doing the same thing.
Mar 3, 2015: WJTV: High school students will stop being required to pass exams
State Superintendent Carey Wright announced Tuesday before the Senate Education Committee that, while the department would continue giving subject-area exams in algebra, biology, English and U.S. history, students would still be able to graduate without passing them.
State Superintendent Carey Wright announced Tuesday before the Senate Education Committee that, while the department would continue giving subject-area exams in algebra, biology, English and U.S. history, students would still be able to graduate without passing them.
Mar 1, 2015: Clarion Ledger: Standardized tests taking toll on Mississippi schools
State Superintendent Carey Wright said the state requires only about three days of standardized testing for each grade but that local districts can add their own testing beyond that.
State Superintendent Carey Wright said the state requires only about three days of standardized testing for each grade but that local districts can add their own testing beyond that.
Feb 15, 2015: Vicksburg Post: Common Core reviews crisscross Legislature
IIn Mississippi, the Common Core standards are called the Mississippi College- and Career-Ready Standards. State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright has favored keeping the standards.
IIn Mississippi, the Common Core standards are called the Mississippi College- and Career-Ready Standards. State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright has favored keeping the standards.
Jan 30, 2015: MPB: LAWMAKERS COULD SOON REPEAL COMMON CORE EDUCATION STANDARDS
State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright says it would be costly for the state to dismantle Common Core so soon after implementing the standards. "It's going to be a very, very long, detailed and expensive process." says Wright. "I mean the millions of dollars that have been spent, and that's not to say the amount of money the districts have spent. In addition to the amount of money the state has spent. With new standards you're starting all over again."
State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright says it would be costly for the state to dismantle Common Core so soon after implementing the standards. "It's going to be a very, very long, detailed and expensive process." says Wright. "I mean the millions of dollars that have been spent, and that's not to say the amount of money the districts have spent. In addition to the amount of money the state has spent. With new standards you're starting all over again."
Jan 28, 2015: Clarion Ledger: Common Core killer unleashed to full Senate
Carmichael said he consulted superintendents, teachers and members of his church when drafting the bill but that he had no input from State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright nor members of the state Board of Education.
Carmichael said he consulted superintendents, teachers and members of his church when drafting the bill but that he had no input from State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright nor members of the state Board of Education.
Jan 20, 2015: WJTV: Wright says Cheating Districts Should Have to Pay Costs
State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright says that school districts guilty of cheating on state tests should have to pay the cost on investigations.
State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright says that school districts guilty of cheating on state tests should have to pay the cost on investigations.
Jan 19, 2015: Gulf Live: State Sen. Michael Watson of Pascagoula files bill to repeal Common Core, form advisory board
State Superintendent Carey Wright says the Mississippi Department of Education plans to release a request seeking a new assessment contract on Feb. 2.
State Superintendent Carey Wright says the Mississippi Department of Education plans to release a request seeking a new assessment contract on Feb. 2.
Jan 19, 2015: Clarion Ledger: Lawmakers want to cap education chiefs' salaries
Outgoing IHL Commissioner Hank Bounds currently earns $358,000, while State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright makes $300,000. The law sets the superintendent's salary at 90 percent of the IHL commissioner's salary.
Outgoing IHL Commissioner Hank Bounds currently earns $358,000, while State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright makes $300,000. The law sets the superintendent's salary at 90 percent of the IHL commissioner's salary.
Jan 18, 2015: WDAM: Biloxi teacher surprised with $25,000 Milken Award
Introducing the Awards presentation was Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education, and Dr. Jane Foley, senior vice president of the Milken Educator Awards and a 1994 Milken Educator recipient from Indiana.
Introducing the Awards presentation was Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education, and Dr. Jane Foley, senior vice president of the Milken Educator Awards and a 1994 Milken Educator recipient from Indiana.
Jan 16, 2015: Z-Mississppi: Mississippi Superintendent on Keeping Common Core: My position has not wavered, nor has the boards
Mississippi Superintendent of Education Carey Wright:
Mississippi Superintendent of Education Carey Wright:
Jan 13, 2015: Sun Herald: State's top educator won't stop pushing Common Core, pre-K education
State Superintendent Carey Wright is pushing ahead.
State Superintendent Carey Wright is pushing ahead.
Jan 8, 2015: Clarion Ledger: Miss. schools at bottom, but preschools get good mark
“We will continue to push for reforms that keep standards for learning high, improve graduation rates, increase access to high-quality early childhood programs and support effective teachers and school leaders,” State Superintendent Carey Wright said in a statement.
“We will continue to push for reforms that keep standards for learning high, improve graduation rates, increase access to high-quality early childhood programs and support effective teachers and school leaders,” State Superintendent Carey Wright said in a statement.
Aug 14, 2014: Gulf Live: Reading deadline looms for Mississippi third-graders
State Superintendent Carey Wright replied that some teachers have been hesitant to apply because they fear funding will be cut and they will lose jobs. The state has also tried to pick only the best instructors, rejecting more than 400 applicants this summer.
State Superintendent Carey Wright replied that some teachers have been hesitant to apply because they fear funding will be cut and they will lose jobs. The state has also tried to pick only the best instructors, rejecting more than 400 applicants this summer.
July 30, 2014: Jackson Free Press: What Is ‘Common Core’ All About?
In the wake of Bryant's comments, Mississippi's current state superintendent of education, Carey Wright, said in a statement: "It is a gross mischaracterization to call the standards a 'failed program' when Mississippi and other states have yet to give the first test aligned to the standards. The state is still in the implementation phase, and to remove the standards now would be disheartening to the district and school leaders and teachers who have invested time and resources in this effort."
July 17, 2014: MPB: State Education Chief Reaffirms Commitment to Common Core, Aligned Tests -
The head of the Mississippi Department of Education is reaffirming the state’s commitment to both common core standards and the tests aligned to them that students will be taking at the end of this year.
June 20, 2014: Mississippi PEP: Gov. Bryant talks tougher about #CommonCore, State Superintendent Wright not happy.
State superintendent of education Carey Wright and board of education chairman Wayne Gann have fired back at Gov. Phil Bryant for signaling that he would be in favor of repealing Common Core.
Mar 18, 2014: Gulf Live: Mississippi Senate confirms Carey Wright as state superintendent of education
State senators have confirmed Carey Wright as Mississippi's state superintendent of education.
Sept 25, 2013: Gulf Live: Carey Wright of Maryland named new State Superintendent of Education
Dr. Carey Wright has been named Mississippi's new State Superintendent of Education, the Mississippi Board of Education announced Wednesday.
July 7, 2010: District of Columbia Public Schools: DCPS Names Chief Academic Officer
District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) announced today that Dr. Carey M. Wright has been appointed Chief Academic Officer, a move that will allow her to build on the tremendous work she has done over the past year as Deputy Chief in the Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL).
In the wake of Bryant's comments, Mississippi's current state superintendent of education, Carey Wright, said in a statement: "It is a gross mischaracterization to call the standards a 'failed program' when Mississippi and other states have yet to give the first test aligned to the standards. The state is still in the implementation phase, and to remove the standards now would be disheartening to the district and school leaders and teachers who have invested time and resources in this effort."
July 17, 2014: MPB: State Education Chief Reaffirms Commitment to Common Core, Aligned Tests -
The head of the Mississippi Department of Education is reaffirming the state’s commitment to both common core standards and the tests aligned to them that students will be taking at the end of this year.
June 20, 2014: Mississippi PEP: Gov. Bryant talks tougher about #CommonCore, State Superintendent Wright not happy.
State superintendent of education Carey Wright and board of education chairman Wayne Gann have fired back at Gov. Phil Bryant for signaling that he would be in favor of repealing Common Core.
Mar 18, 2014: Gulf Live: Mississippi Senate confirms Carey Wright as state superintendent of education
State senators have confirmed Carey Wright as Mississippi's state superintendent of education.
Sept 25, 2013: Gulf Live: Carey Wright of Maryland named new State Superintendent of Education
Dr. Carey Wright has been named Mississippi's new State Superintendent of Education, the Mississippi Board of Education announced Wednesday.
July 7, 2010: District of Columbia Public Schools: DCPS Names Chief Academic Officer
District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) announced today that Dr. Carey M. Wright has been appointed Chief Academic Officer, a move that will allow her to build on the tremendous work she has done over the past year as Deputy Chief in the Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL).
Dr. Carey M. Wright is currently the State Superintendent of Education for Mississippi. She has served as the Chief Academic Officer for the District of Columbia Public Schools as well as the Deputy Chief for the Office of Teaching and Learning, providing leadership for PK-12 education by managing the offices of Curriculum and Instruction, Professional Development, Early Childhood Education, College and Career Readiness, Youth Engagement, Bilingual Education, Out of School Time, School Counseling, Educational Technology, Gifted and Talented, and Library Media Services. After implementing a policy requiring four Advanced Placement courses to be offered in all high schools, student participation increased more than 25% and the number of students passing at least one AP exam increased over 85%. The total number of AP exams receiving passing scores increased 64%. In addition, African-American student performance on AP exams increased 86%, and Hispanic student performance increased 184%.
From 2003 to 2009, Dr. Wright served as the Associate Superintendent for the Office of Special Education and Student Services for the Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. In her capacity as associate superintendent she was responsible for student services for 150,000 students and special education programming for 17,000 students with disabilities, managing a budget of $325 million, overseeing nonpublic placements and alternative programs, providing special education staffing for 200 schools, the provision of K-12 school counseling, psychological services, pupil personnel services, and the administration of the International Student Admission Office. Under Dr. Wright’s leadership, the percent of special education students being educated in the general education classroom increased from 53% to 67%. During the last four years of her tenure, special education student proficiency on state reading and math assessments increased between 13 and 34 points at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The biggest gains occurred in high schools, where student proficiency increased by 30 points in reading and 34 points in math.
Dr. Wright spent the majority of her career in Howard County Public Schools, also located in Maryland. In Howard County, Dr. Wright was a teacher, a principal for fifteen years, and the Director of Special Education and Student Services. She began her career in Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland, serving as a teacher.
Dr. Wright has been recognized as an outstanding educator by the National Center for Culturally Responsive Systems, nominated twice for The Washington Post Outstanding Principal Award, and awarded the Howard County Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Educator of the Year.
Dr. Wright obtained her bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees from the University of Maryland, College Park. She currently resides in Madison County, Mississippi.
From 2003 to 2009, Dr. Wright served as the Associate Superintendent for the Office of Special Education and Student Services for the Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. In her capacity as associate superintendent she was responsible for student services for 150,000 students and special education programming for 17,000 students with disabilities, managing a budget of $325 million, overseeing nonpublic placements and alternative programs, providing special education staffing for 200 schools, the provision of K-12 school counseling, psychological services, pupil personnel services, and the administration of the International Student Admission Office. Under Dr. Wright’s leadership, the percent of special education students being educated in the general education classroom increased from 53% to 67%. During the last four years of her tenure, special education student proficiency on state reading and math assessments increased between 13 and 34 points at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The biggest gains occurred in high schools, where student proficiency increased by 30 points in reading and 34 points in math.
Dr. Wright spent the majority of her career in Howard County Public Schools, also located in Maryland. In Howard County, Dr. Wright was a teacher, a principal for fifteen years, and the Director of Special Education and Student Services. She began her career in Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland, serving as a teacher.
Dr. Wright has been recognized as an outstanding educator by the National Center for Culturally Responsive Systems, nominated twice for The Washington Post Outstanding Principal Award, and awarded the Howard County Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Educator of the Year.
Dr. Wright obtained her bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees from the University of Maryland, College Park. She currently resides in Madison County, Mississippi.