JACKSON – Mississippi Department of Education recognized Caledonia Elementary, New Hope Lower and New Hope Upper Elementary Aug. 3 as Mississippi Emerging Science of Reading schools for the 2026-2027 school year. In all, MDE recognized 15 schools for training teachers in the Science of Reading, exemplifying a change of instructional practices and embodying a school culture that focuses on building skillful, strong readers in kindergarten through third grade. All Mississippi K-5 schools are invited annually each spring to apply for the Science of Reading recognition. MDE began offering this award in the 2021-2022 school year, and to date, 33 schools have received the designation. MDE’s K-3 Literacy Leadership Team will travel to New Hope Lower Elementary (8:30 a.m.), New Hope Upper Elementary (9:45 a.m.) and Caledonia Elementary (1 p.m.) on Aug. 24 to celebrate the accomplishment.