State Board of Education Supports MSIP 5 Scoring Guide 

The State Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution stating their support for the new Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) 5 Scoring Guide. After more than two years of working with parents, educators, associations, education experts and school district leaders, the Department presented its new scoring guide, which outlines its methods of creating each school district's Annual Performance Report (APR) - the tool used by the state to determine a school district's accreditation. Schools will have multiple ways of achieving the standards including showing student progress and/or evidence of student growth. Accreditation is based on multiple years of data; therefore, MSIP 5 will be used for accreditation purposes beginning in the 2014-2015 school year. Read more

Missouri to Participate in Pathways to Prosperity
Missouri is one of six states that have been selected to participate in the Pathways to Prosperity Network. This network is a collaboration among the Pathways to Prosperity Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Jobs For the Future and other participating states. The focus of this effort is on ensuring more students complete high school; attain a postsecondary credential with value in the labor market; and launch a career while leaving open the prospect of further education.

A steering committee has been established to lead Pathways to Prosperity Missouri. Dr. Kelvin Adams with St. Louis Public Schools and June Fowler with BJC HealthCare, will serve as co-chairs. The committee will initially focus on the St. Louis region with the long-term goal of serving the majority of students statewide. Read more

Schools Honored for Effective Implementation of Positive Behavior Support
State education officials recognized 267 Missouri public and charter schools in June for successful adoption and implementation of Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support (SW-PBS), a comprehensive approach for improving student behavior and academic performance. The schools were honored during the seventh annual SW-PBS Summer Institute at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, Mo., where more than 1,200 educators attended. Read more

Preparation Begins for Early Childhood Assessment Pilot

The Department's Office of Early and Extended Learning will be conducting a year-long pilot to identify an assessment tool for use in preschool programs and kindergarten classes (children ages 3-6). Assessment training for the pilot begins in July and 126 early childhood classrooms from 64 school districts will be participating. Types of programs piloting the assessment tools include: family child care homes, school-based and community-based preschools, Head Start, Title I, early childhood special education and kindergarten classrooms. The official pilot begins in September. Read more
 

Now for Later Campaign Continues to Grow
As announced this past spring, the Department launched a new public awareness campaign focusing on the importance of quality learning experiences for young children. The Now for Later campaign is in full swing and a number of resources are available for public use on the website, www.nowforlater.org, including an early learning video, PowerPoint presentation, brochure, fliers and banners.

Additionally, a number of organizations have also expressed their support and are partnering with the Department on this effort. View the list of partner organizations. We are still looking for additional partners. If your organization is interested, please contact the Office of Early and Extended Learning at eel@dese.mo.gov or 573-751-4234.

New Resource for Supporting Dual Language Learners
A new resource is available to help teachers meet the needs of young dual language learners. Karen N. Nemeth recently released her book Basics of Supporting Dual Language Learners: An Introduction for Educators of Children from Birth through Age 8. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, "This book is designed to help all early childhood educators learn the basics of developmentally appropriate teaching practices for young children who are dual language learners."

State Board Approves Pilot of New Educator Evaluation System

The State Board of Education approved a one-year pilot project of Missouri's new Educator Evaluation System for the 2012-2013 school year. The new system focuses on the improvement of effective educational practices and the professional development of teachers, principals and school superintendents. Once the pilot is complete, the system will be further refined and made available for use by districts starting with the 2013-2014 school year.

- More information about the Top 10 by 20 strategic plan
- Information and materials for supporters