To fulfill the requirements of HB 1490, work groups are reviewing learning standards for Missouri students. The groups will meet September 22-23, October 2-3 and October 20-21 in Jefferson City.

More than half of Missouri’s school districts increased their scores in the Annual Performance Reports (APR) released by the Department on Friday.

More than 97 percent of districts earned at least 70 percent of possible points. In all, 56.6 percent of districts raised their APR scores from 2013.

“Lower APR numbers show the need for a fresh start for the children of Normandy,” said Commissioner of Education Chris Nicastro. “As we begin the 2014-15 school year as the Normandy Schools Collaborative, under state oversight, we are determined to improve instruction, curriculum and focus on the educational needs of these students.”

Chris Holmes grew up watching his father teach college literature and composition, noticing the difference his dad made in the lives of his students. That experience, combined with the influences of teachers in high school and college, forged a teacher who tries to emulate those who inspired him.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education teamed up with the Missouri Departments of Mental Health and Social Services on Thursday for a training session that provided training and resources for St. Louis area educators regarding the recent events in Ferguson.

Goal is to increase student participation in AP classes

As part of an effort to increase rigor in instruction and overall student achievement within the Normandy Schools Collaborative, secondary and middle school teachers in the district have received professional development from trainers with the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI).

Intern program leads to part-time jobs for two Missouri students

The State Board of Education was briefed on pending litigation around the preliminary court ruling on Normandy student transfers at its closed meeting today. The State Board of Education took no action. The Department and the Board will continue to follow the direction of the court.

Students outscore national average

After nearly a decade of scoring at 21.6, Missouri graduates have raised their ACT composite score to 21.8. The composite is higher than the national average of 21, and composite scores in each of the four ACT subject areas have increased over the past five years.

The Department is in receipt of the Auditor’s letter regarding the procurement process used to award the contract for a study of options to address chronic under-performing schools. We appreciate the Auditor’s feedback.

We would also like to note several important points:

1. The letter is the result of a “limited review and analysis of the procurement process” by the Auditor’s office. Preliminary discussions determined that an official audit was unnecessary, resulting in a review process.