The Mississippi Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (MSDB) implements an ongoing system to identify, locate, and evaluate all children suspected of having a disability from birth through 21 years of age required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The Mississippi Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (MSDB) implements an ongoing system to identify, locate, and evaluate all children suspected of having a disability from birth through 21 years of age required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Outreach and Supports at MSDB can be utilized throughout the state of Mississippi to connect parents, districts, and stakeholders to the resources we may have available to students.  

Postsecondary transition is the transition of high school students to their next stage in life, whether it be a two- or four- year college or technical school, the workforce, an assisted living facility, or other options. Planning for these transitions with students is critical in order to incorporate individual student goals and desires, and to increase the likelihood of a smooth transition. Postsecondary transition planning are efforts by school staff to prepare students for positive postsecondary outcomes including postsecondary education and employment. Doing so may also include connecting students and their families to community services and supports, as well as planning for housing, transportation, and other needs.    

The Office of Special Services (Pre-K –12) supports educators who are working with struggling learners, including students who are learning English as a second language. This office is focused on improving academic and behavioral outcomes for students. Staff coordinates the local implementation of policies and procedures and provides intervention on Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for school-based teams and students.
This office also offers guidance and support to educators and students related to intervention selection, data-based decision-making, evaluation, progress monitoring, dyslexia, gifted learners, and English learners to ensure all students graduate high school ready for college and careers.
Three Tier Instructional Model is a part of State Board Policy 41.1). This model is designed to meet the needs of every student and consists of three tiers of instruction:

• Tier 1: Quality classroom instruction based on Mississippi standards.
• Tier 2: Focused supplemental instruction.
• Tier 3: Intensive interventions specifically designed to meet the individual needs of students.

If Tier 1 and 2 instruction is unsuccessful, students must be referred to the Teacher Support Team (TST). The TST is the district team responsible for interventions developed at Tier 3. Each school must have a TST implemented in accordance with the process developed by the Mississippi Department of Education.