Department Supports CTE Month
February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) month and the Department encourages students across the state to learn about CTE programs in their school district. CTE programs combine academics, technology and vocational training to prepare individuals for college or a career. Whether students are still in school or are looking for a change, CTE programs can help plan a path for success. Find out more

Webinar Introduction to the Advanced Placement Program
Join Christina Silvis, College Board, for an introductory webinar about the advanced placement (AP) program on February 13 at 3 p.m. This webinar will be of particular interest to schools that do not yet have an AP program and would like to explore starting one. School principals, counselors and teachers are encouraged to participate. Complete webinar details

Important February 15 Deadline for Technology Readiness Report

The largest variable in Missouri's readiness for online testing in 2014-2015 is building-level bandwidth availability. The Technology Readiness Tool collects and reports static bandwidth information at the building level; however, bandwidth usage varies widely throughout the typical school day. Smarter Balanced has developed a tool for checking bandwidth that can be used by individual school buildings to run a practical check multiple times a day, to assist in the determination of actual bandwidth availability. It is imperative that Missouri school buildings' bandwidth be entered into the Technology Readiness Tool by February 15 in order to provide decision makers at all levels an accurate picture of the level of technology readiness and needs. Instructions and access to the Bandwidth Checker Tool

State Board Approves Updated Resource and Process Standards

The Missouri State Board of Education gave final approval at its January meeting to updated standards that provide guidance to local school districts in a number of areas, from curriculum and class size to college and career planning. The State Board gave preliminary approval to the standards in September 2012, followed by a 30-day public comment period. The Department received comments during that time and made changes to the standards based on public input. Read more

Missouri Earns Slightly Higher Grade in 'Quality Counts' Report
A national report card examining state education policy and performance has given Missouri an overall grade of C, up slightly from last year's grade of C-. The "Quality Counts 2013" report, released last month, shows Missouri's score sitting slightly below the national average score of C+. For the second consecutive year, the state ranks 41st nationwide. Read more

Current Version of GED Test to Expire December 2013
Individuals seeking to obtain their Missouri High School Equivalency Certificate by taking the General Educational Development (GED©) test have until the end of 2013 to pass the current test series, known as the 2002 Series GED© Test. The current test will be replaced with a new assessment beginning January 2, 2014. The new test will continue determining high school equivalency, but will also measure the knowledge and skills necessary for college- and career-readiness. Read more

Last Chance to Register for Interface 2013
The Department's Office of College and Career Readiness will host the 29th annual Interface Conference February 21-26 in Osage Beach, Mo. Join the Department for Interface 2013 as we focus on some of the challenges that both teachers and students face today. The professional development event is designed to increase teacher knowledge of content, pedagogy and the use of technology, while at the same time focusing on exemplary curriculum and inquiry-based strategies designed to enhance student understanding and increase learning. Also, listen to multiple viewpoints on how to improve mathematics and science teaching. More information and registration

Early Learning Standards Open for Public Comment

The revised Missouri early learning standards are open for public comment and can be reviewed on the Department's website. The revisions include changes to the existing standards for children ages three to kindergarten entry and expanding the standards for children birth to age three. The Department will be aligning the standards to the Missouri Learning Standards. Comments can be sent to joanne.ralston@dese.mo.gov by February 28. Review the standards

Register Now for Conference on the Young Years

The Department's Early Learning section will host the 40th annual Conference on the Young Years March 7-9 in Osage Beach, Mo. Presentations from several nationally recognized speakers will address leadership in early childhood, literacy, science and art. Department staff, along with classroom teachers, will also be presenting a strand of presentations specifically on the Core Academic Standards. Register now

State Launches Leadership Development Program for Educators

Missouri is offering a new professional development program for school leaders aimed at raising student achievement. The Department is partnering with the National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) to offer their Executive Development Program via the Missouri Leadership for Excellence, Achievement and Development (MoLEAD) project. MoLEAD is a state-tailored approach to NISL's program and will teach participants how to lead more effectively, strengthen classroom instruction and in turn increase student achievement. Read more

New Assessments for Educator Preparation

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