The U.S. Department of Education has approved Missouri’s state plan for public education under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Missouri’s plan is a commitment to ensure that all students have equitable access to high-quality education to help prepare them for success in school and in life. Implementation of the major portion of the plan will begin in fall 2018. 

The plan supports the state’s strategic priorities, the foremost of which is that all Missouri students will graduate ready for success. To help reach that goal, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has outlined strategies addressing access, opportunity and equity, as well as support and development for teachers and leaders. 

“We greatly appreciate the feedback we received from educators, business leaders, lawmakers, parents and students about what matters most in education,” said Dr. Roger Dorson, interim commissioner of elementary and secondary education. “Missouri is positioned to lead the nation through our own state-developed accountability systems.” 

DESE initially submitted the plan to U.S. Department of Education in September 2017 after receiving input from Missourians. The federal agency then provided feedback, and revisions were made and submitted in January 2018. 

The official approval letter from United States Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is available.