It would explain part of the reason why implementing Mississippi reading and Alabama math programs might work. The reformers pushing standardization often miss that Mississippi succeeded precisely because it was Mississippi doing it for Mississippi. Through precisely what Mississippi and Alabama are doing: building comprehensive support systems. Building Capacity, Not MandatesThe path forward isn’t standardizing Mississippi’s approach but understanding why Mississippi succeeded where Common Core failed: local ownership, sustained implementation, and systematic support. For education leaders genuinely committed to improvement, Mississippi proves you can succeed, but only with sustained community support, adequate resources, and critically, time.