Miss. Code Ann. § 37-3-12

The state superintendent of public education shall be responsible for all planning functions for the department, including collection, analysis and interpretation of all data, information, test results, evaluations and other indicators that are used to formulate policy, identify areas of concern and need and to serve as a basis for short-range and long-range planning. Such planning shall include assembling data, conducting appropriate studies and surveys and sponsoring research and development activities designed to provide information about educational needs and the effect of alternative educational practices.