Hinds County School District is celebrating an outstanding accomplishment: ranking fifth among the 79 Mississippi school districts included in the English Learner (EL) Progress rankings. This achievement highlights the determination of our Achievers as they develop English language skills while continuing to learn academic content. It also recognizes the educators, school leaders, support staff, and families who support their growth.
“This accomplishment reflects what is possible when an entire district shares a commitment to the success of English Learners,” said Kristina Bailey, the district’s English Learner Coordinator. English Learner Progress focuses on students’ advancement toward English language proficiency. Developing these skills helps students communicate their ideas, understand increasingly complex material, and participate more fully in classroom learning.
“Across HCSD, there is a growing understanding that supporting these students is a collective responsibility, and our dedicated EL teachers remain at the heart of that work,” Bailey said. For HCSD, this recognition connects directly to its mission of Engaging, Empowering, and Ensuring Excellence. Every Achiever brings strengths, experiences, and potential to the classroom. Supporting English Learners means building on those strengths while helping students develop the language skills they need to succeed.
The district celebrates its English Learner teachers and classroom educators for their dedication to students’ language development and academic learning. HCSD also recognizes families for the encouragement and partnership they provide throughout their children’s educational journeys. “This recognition is a source of tremendous pride, celebrating not only the collaboration and commitment of our educators and leaders, but especially the resilience, determination, and incredible potential of our English Learners, who continue to achieve despite the challenges they face,” Bailey added.
Above all, this achievement celebrates our Achievers. Learning a language while mastering academic content requires persistence, effort, and courage. Their progress deserves to be recognized. “Our English Learners bring remarkable strengths and potential to our schools,” said Dr. Mitchell M. Shears, Superintendent & Chief Learner. “We are proud of their progress and grateful to the educators and families for helping them succeed. This achievement strengthens our commitment to ensuring every Achiever has the support and opportunities to excel.”
As HCSD continues its F.L.E.X. Theme, "Focused Leadership, Learning, and Literacy to Elevate eXcellence", this accomplishment offers another reason to move forward with purpose. It also remains central to elevating excellence and expanding opportunities for every student. Congratulations to our English Learners and everyone helping them thrive. Your progress is helping HCSD shine across Mississippi!