Bill > SB360

This bill creates the Education Freedom Act, which introduces significant changes to how public elementary and secondary schools are assessed and reported in Missouri. The legislation requires school districts and charter schools to create or adopt local assessment systems that are authentic to student learning, related to curriculum, provide meaningful feedback, and developed in consultation with various stakeholders. The bill modifies the state board of education's responsibilities by mandating the development of a statewide summative assessment system and establishing new requirements for alternate assessments, particularly for students with special educational needs and military dependents. The reporting requirements for schools are also transformed, with districts and charter schools now required to provide public reporting through an online data dashboard that includes comprehensive information such as accreditation status, enrollment, student achievement, staffing ratios, financial data, and other key metrics. Additionally, the bill expands the state board of education's flexibility in school accreditation by allowing schools to seek accreditation from multiple national agencies and establishing new guidelines for classifying and reporting on public schools. The legislation aims to increase transparency, provide more localized and meaningful assessment approaches, and give schools more autonomy in demonstrating educational performance.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=114