Annual Performance Report
The Missouri Standards for the Preparation of Educators (MoSPE) outline the expectations for Educator Preparation Providers (EPP) in Missouri. In order to ensure that EPPs are meeting these expectations, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) established the Annual Performance Report for Educator Preparation Programs (APR-EPP). The APR-EPP is based on the approved Missouri standards for educators and is the primary basis for DESE's annual recommendations to the State Board of Education regarding the continued accreditations of EPPs.
What is the Annual Performance Report for Educator Preparation Providers (APR-EPP)?
Educator Preparation Providers (EPPs) are evaluated, through the Annual Performance Reports (APR), using a combination of data derived from the following assessment instruments.
- APR-EPP Dashboard
Access the dashboard to explore the Annual Performance Reports for Educator Preparation Providers (APR-EPP) and placement data of recent teacher candidates. Additional information about these Annual Performance Reports, including how scores are calculated, can be found in the recent version of the Comprehensive Guide to Educator Preparation Data Submission and Annual Performance Report.
- APR-EPP Resources
Comprehensive Guide to Educator Preparation Data Submission and Annual Performance Report. This document was revised to ensure alignment with recent changes in DESE policy and procedure. Substantive revisions have been highlighted.
2026 EPP Data Collection Template. This template must be used for submitting data to be used in the APR-EPP.
Folder Access and Data Submission Guidance. Directions for submitting completed template through approved system.
Appeals Form. This form must be submitted if an EPP wants to request that data submitted during the fall submission window be changed. Specific directions for submitting the appeal are included on the form.
- Certification exam scores
Certification exam scores. The exams currently being used are from the Praxis series by ETS. Praxis tests were developed for a national audience and are currently in use by over 40 states. They are predominantly multiple-choice tests that evaluate a student’s knowledge of the content to be taught. In areas other than initial teacher licensure these largely assess the knowledge needed to perform certain jobs (e.g., school leader, school counselor, literacy specialist). Scores are reported directly from ETS.
- Grade Point Average (GPA)
One or more GPAs are submitted by EPPs for each program completer.
- Content GPA. This is the aggregate GPA for courses the candidate takes in the content area to be taught (e.g. Biology, Middle School Language Arts). It is calculated from grades earned in 24 (all middle school areas) to 53 (Agricultural Education) hours of content-focused coursework, depending upon certification requirements. Content GPA is only collected in certification areas with a focused content emphasis (i.e., 5-9, 9-12, and K-12 initial certification areas). Courses included are usually taught by content faculty outside of education departments.
- Pedagogical GPA. In the same areas for which Content GPA is collected, a Pedagogical GPA is also collected. This number is calculated from the grades earned in coursework focused on teaching, both generally and in the specific area of certification, ranging from 16 hours for K-12 areas to 36 hours for 9-12 areas.
- Program GPA. The remaining areas of teacher certification—Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and Special Education—and all advanced educator preparation programs (e.g., Superintendent, School Counselor) submit a single GPA for each candidate. This Program GPA is calculated from all coursework required to meet the state certification requirements, which range from 21 hours for Gifted Education to 70 hours for Early Childhood Education.
- Performance Assessments
- Performance Assessments. DESE and representatives from Education Preparation developed performance assessments over the past decade. These are intended to assess the individual’s ability to apply the knowledge and skills learned in classwork in a real-world context. All performance assessments are scored by two evaluators.
- Teachers and School Counselors. In these two areas, the assessment is a summative evaluation of the individual’s work over the course of the culminating clinical experience. The assessment is structured around the state-approved standards for teachers and counselors. The student is evaluated by a university supervisor and a clinical supervisor in the school (e.g., cooperating teacher.) The scores are submitted separately.
- School Leaders. The performance assessment for school leaders (building and district) are built around the completion of a large project that requires the individual to integrate skills and knowledge from each of the five state-approved domains for principals and superintendents. The leadership performance assessments are also scored by two evaluators, although both may be in higher education. The scores are submitted separately.
- Performance Assessments. DESE and representatives from Education Preparation developed performance assessments over the past decade. These are intended to assess the individual’s ability to apply the knowledge and skills learned in classwork in a real-world context. All performance assessments are scored by two evaluators.
- First-Year Educator Surveys
First-Year Educator Surveys. The first-year educator surveys are sent out each spring to individuals in their first year as a teacher, school counselor, building administrator, or superintendent. In addition, in all of those areas except superintendent, the educator’s supervisor is sent an evaluation, too. The response rate is typically around 70%. Data are collected by a third-party vendor and provided to DESE. The surveys are also aligned with the standards and domains referenced in the section above.
Additional technical information regarding they manner in which these data are used in calculating APR scores can be found in the Comprehensive Guide to Educator Preparation Data Submission and Annual Performance Reports.