Mississippi is consistently ranked low when it comes to education. Almost half of community college freshman have to take remedial courses. Only 30% of the state has a college education and the average ACT score is 19, which is two points below the national average, the state’s education is seen as a continuous work in progress.
Test scores are important but more goes into college success and career readiness than being a decent test taker. Students have the desire to learn when subjects and courses are relevant to their life. Oxford Middle School Principal, Audra Rester, understands this and when asked if her students are preparing for college she responded, “we absolutely are! We are starting those conversations now.” She says that teachers begin asking students, ‘what are you really interested in, passionate about, and how can you make a living doing that?’ Rester encourages her students
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In October, students will begin Naviance, which is a college and career readiness platform that connects academic achievement to post-secondary goals. The program starts with interest surveys and full circles to end with a match to possible career options. This versatile program shows students what colleges are ideal and what students can do to make a living from their potential career interest.
OMS doesn't stop there, the school also does service over self projects. These projects range from reading to elementary age children to pulling weeds at Oxford’s community garden. “We want kids to start thinking beyond themselves and as they move into the world, they will have the tools to consider what they can do to make the world a better place.” During the teen years it can be easy to have a small view of the world, but OMS students are getting outside of their comfort zones. They are bound to find greatness