HCS SB 1080 -- EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY

ASSESSMENT AND ACCREDITATION

By June 30, 2006, the Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education must align performance standards on the Missouri
Assessment Program (MAP) tests to levels that meet but do not
exceed those used in the National Assessment of Educational
Progress and to make other changes necessary to satisfy federal
requirements.  Grade level expectations must be considered in
implementing performance standards.  By July 1, 2006, the
department must revise its accreditation standards to permit
process and resource standard waivers consistent with academic
performance profiles.

PRIORITY SCHOOLS AND ACADEMIC DEFICIENCY

The bill repeals the statute on academic deficiency; and the
section on priority and performance schools is thoroughly
revised, eliminating performance schools.  The department will
identify as a priority school any school that fails to meet the
standards of student achievement established by the State Board
of Education based upon certain factors specified in the bill,
such as test performance, graduation rates, and attendance rates.
Any district containing a priority school will submit a
comprehensive school improvement plan, using the procedures and
timeline established by the bill, that:

(1)  Identifies areas of academic deficiency on the MAP test by
disaggregating scores, as specified; and

(2)  Implements research-based strategies, aligns the school's
curriculum, and reallocates resources to address the areas of
academic deficiency.

Priority schools will be listed in the district's annual school
accountability report.  The state board may appoint a team to
conduct an educational audit to determine the factors that have
contributed to the lack of student achievement.  State aid may be
withheld until the district submits an improvement plan.

OTHER PROVISIONS

The bill clarifies the counties from which five of the seven
voting members of the Missouri Southern State University-Joplin
board of governors will be selected for those appointed after
August 28, 2004.

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:16 am