Three Biloxi public schools – Beauvoir and Lopez Elementary, and Biloxi Junior High -- have been chosen by Mississippi Department of Education to participate in The National Assessment of Educational Progress.

The NAEP is a national assessment of what America's students know and can do in various subject areas. NAEP assessments are administered uniformly using the same sets of test booklets across the nation. NAEP results serve as a common metric for all states.

NAEP scores are important for Mississippi for a number of reasons. Said Gov. Haley Barbour: "When businesses decide where they want to locate their next plant, distribution center, retail outlet or office, they look at our NAEP scores to judge the quality of our educational system and the quality of our workforce.”

To hear a special message for teachers and students concerning 2009 NAEP by State Superintendent, Dr. Hank Bounds, please go to www.mde.k12.ms.us and follow the links on the home page.

Dr. Hank Bounds, state superintendent of education, has an online video message for teachers and students about NAEP.

Teachers, click here.

Students, click here.

For more information or questions about NAEP in Biloxi Public Schools, contact Dr. Karen Norwood, director of Secondary Education and Federal Programs at karen.norwood@biloxischools.net or at (228) 374-1810, extension 134.