Reports - Mississippi Renewal

122 | EDUCATIONEDUCATIONWhile HurricaneKatrina dealt adevastating blowto all institutionsof learning in thestate, Mississippi now has a unique opportunity:It may analyze where it wasbefore the hurricane, the losses sustainedfrom it, and the future the state shouldchart as the recovery process continues.To grow a thriving economy and highquality of life for its citizens, Mississippimust have a strong education system —one that prepares children to becomethoughtful, productive adults.The recovery from Hurricane Katrinapresents the opportunity to implementprogressive measures that profoundlyimprove education in both South Mississippiand across the state. Educationproponents should use the destructionof Katrina to strengthen their resolve totransform the state’s education systemon a large scale. Starting with affectedcounties and moving toward a statewidenetwork, it is possible to partner, leadand innovate the way to a better future.The DamageNot only did Katrina damage and destroyschool structures, it also damagedand destroyed materials acquired byteachers over many years of service anddestroyed intellectual property garneredby universities from years of research.The hurricane levied a tremendoustoll on students, parents, teachers, andadministrators, uprooting them fromtheir homes and lives and giving them anew set of challenges. More than 15,000students and hundreds of teachers andadministrators were left homeless alongthe Coast. Immediately following Katrina,10,000 displaced students fromthroughout Mississippi and from otherstates enrolled in school districts that