Growing Nowhere: A Response to Kevin P. Chavous By Brock A. Ratcliff, Clinton Public Schools, Clinton, MS I believe in schools, especially the public schools in Mississippi. Although the Magnolia State has historically lagged behind in educational achievement compared to the rest of the nation, there is excellent teaching and learning happening here. Recent NAEP scores demonstrate Mississippi students’ great strides in catching up to the children of other states in math and reading. Teachers in my state begin and end each lesson with hope, the one indispensable school supply we have. Mississippi has an accountability model that is similar to the one imagined by Mr. Chavous in his recent article on RealClearEducation.com. [1] His succinct argument is sound and is certainly motivated by a deep concern for the well-being of students. He points out that students of diverse economic backgrounds and learning styles require “individualized evaluation and assistance...