Work groups also present update

The State Board of Education on Monday conducted the second of three planned public hearings to discuss academic standards related to HB 1490.

HB 1490 calls for work groups of educators and parents to review, revise and develop learning standards in English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies for public schools in Missouri. Monday’s hearing provided an opportunity for the public to offer comments and feedback to the State Board. Those who were not able to attend the hearing may offer comments via email at 1490comments@dese.mo.gov.

No date has been set for the third public hearing.

State Board members also heard a progress update from each of the eight work groups on Monday. By law, the work groups must submit recommendations on revisions to the standards to the State Board by October 2015. The State Board of Education sets academic standards for public schools in the state.

“On behalf of the one million schoolchildren in Missouri, these groups have put in a lot of work,” said State Board President Peter Herschend. “That does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.”

High academic performance standards are directly related to a primary goal of Missouri’s Top 10 by 20 initiative: All Missouri children will graduate ready for college and career.