The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) is the state education agency of Mississippi responsible for overseeing public K-12 education throughout the state. Established by state law, the department operates under the supervision of the Mississippi State Board of Education and is headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi. The MDE serves approximately 440,000 students across more than 900 schools in 151 school districts. The department is responsible for implementing state and federal education laws, disbursing state and federal funds, holding schools and districts accountable for performance, and licensing all Mississippi teachers and administrators. Key responsibilities of the MDE include developing state academic standards, administering statewide assessments, managing school accountability ratings, providing professional development for educators, and overseeing special education services. The department also manages various educational programs including early childhood education, career and technical education, and child nutrition programs. The department is led by a State Superintendent of Education, who is appointed by the State Board of Education. The MDE works in conjunction with the Mississippi State Legislature to establish education policy and secure funding for public schools. Through its website mdek12.org, the department provides resources for educators, parents, and students while maintaining transparency in educational data and policies.