Blackburn/JSU Partnership - College of Education and Human Development

Blackburn will become a JSU laboratory school. JSU faculty and researchers will start working this summer with Blackburn faculty and administrators to create a school where excellence in education theory and practice can be observed, studied and utilized.

Jackson State University and Jackson Public Schools entered into a historic agreement on Thursday,

creating a partnership to enhance the quality of education offered at Blackburn Middle School. Blackburn

will become a JSU laboratory school. JSU faculty and researchers will start working this summer with

Blackburn faculty and administrators to create a school where excellence in education theory and practice

can be observed, studied and utilized. Blackburn will become a JSU laboratory school. JSU faculty and

researchers will start working this summer with Blackburn faculty and administrators to create a school

where excellence in education theory and practice can be observed, studied and utilized.

Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Cedrick Gray leads one of the largest school districts in Mississippi. Improving education in the state has been discussed for years by groups that range from elected leaders to community activists. Gray said action — not talk — is the key.

JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers, Ph.D., said she was “thrilled” about the agreement she signed with Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Cedrick Gray.

JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers, Ph.D., said she was “thrilled” about the agreement she signed with Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Cedrick Gray

Executive Director for JPS Middle Schools, , Vonda Beady, said improving academic achievement at her school has always been the priority.

Dr. Daniel Watkins, dean of JSU’s College of Education and Human Development, explained the urgency in addressing the educational needs of middle school students across the nation: a significant percentage is deficient in reading and math. He said 1.3 million students drop out of school each year.

Dr. Daniel Watkins, Dean of JSU’s College of Education and Human Development, explained the urgency in addressing the educational needs of middle school students across the nation: a significant percentage is deficient in reading and math. He said 1.3 million students drop out of school each year.