This bill is a resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives that urges the U.S. Congress to work toward eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. It argues that education is a state responsibility and claims the federal department has caused overreach through regulations and mandates without improving student reading scores. The text supports returning control of education to states and local communities, asserting this would allow for more efficient use of taxpayer money and policies that better reflect local values. Because this is a non-binding resolution expressing support for a federal goal rather than creating new laws, it does not directly change policy or affect specific groups immediately.
SB 1729 requires Missouri high schools to administer college and career readiness assessments, including a career-focused test leading to a nationally recognized work readiness certificate, before graduation. Students can choose between taking the ACT assessment or a WorkKeys test (which leads to a National Career Readiness Certificate), but cannot take both for the same assessment cycle. Public colleges and universities may accept WorkKeys credentials as credit toward technical degrees. The bill affects all Missouri public high school students and establishes a choice between two assessment pathways for career readiness.
SB 1660 - Beginning in the 2027-28 academic year, this act prohibits public institutions of higher education from accepting standardized test scores from testing entities that require an applicant with a lifelong disability or static disability, as such terms are defined in the act, to complete a comprehensive disability evaluation within two years before taking the test in order to receive accommodations allowed under federal law. This act is identical to HB 1640 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON
This bill requires all public high schools to administer career readiness assessments, such as the WorkKeys test (which leads to a nationally recognized career certificate), before students graduate. Students who complete WorkKeys are exempt from taking the ACT assessment. School districts may offer additional free assessments using state funds. It also establishes that WorkKeys certificates can count as credit toward technical college degrees.
SB 966 - This act requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to ensure that every public school and public charter school located in St. Louis City or St. Louis County conducts an annual safety assessment of such public school or public charter school. The Department of Public Safety (DPS), local law enforcement, and local emergency services shall provide reasonable assistance to public schools and public charter schools in order to implement the provisions of the act. The safety assessments shall include a consideration of each school's vulnerabilities to school shootings and intruders, with specific reference to the implementation of various safety procedures, policies, and tools specified in the act. Each public school and public charter school that conducts an annual safety assessment pursuant to the provisions of the act shall provide a report of the findings of the safety assessment to DESE. Based upon the findings of the safety assessments, DESE, in conjunction with DPS, shall provide to each public school and public charter school an annual report that summarizes such school's safety vulnerabilities, along with recommendations for mitigating such vulnerabilities. Such report shall also be provided to the General Assembly. A report created pursuant to the provisions of this act shall not be considered a public record under the Sunshine Law and shall not be available for public inspection. This act shall become effective July 1, 2028. This act is identical to SB 42 (2025) and similar to SCS/SB 1153 (2024) and HB 2398 (2024). OLIVIA SHANNON
HB 2841 revises Missouri's statewide assessment system for public schools to focus on performance-based testing that measures problem-solving, critical thinking, and practical skills - rather than rote memorization - in subjects like reading, math, science, and history. The bill prohibits using existing tests approved under prior law and requires assessments to evaluate what students "know and can do," with scores for English learners not counted until they complete three years of instruction in English-speaking schools. It also creates a "waiver" program for schools meeting high performance standards for three consecutive years, allowing them to bypass certain testing requirements and operational rules under the "Outstanding Schools Waivers" plan. Additionally, the bill mandates alternate assessments for students with special needs to evaluate independent living skills and includes provisions for military-dependent students relocating mid-year.
SB 1600 requires Missouri school districts to screen all students at least once before third grade to identify gifted students. The bill mandates universal screening using multiple measures - including academic achievement, creativity, and teacher referrals - and requires review by at least three trained staff members. It also prohibits identifying gifted students solely based on advanced course participation and sets standards for teacher certification in gifted education for larger districts. The policy directly affects all K-2 students and school districts statewide, with screening requirements taking effect for the 2027-28 school year.
HB 2839 requires Missouri high schools to offer a course on U.S. and Missouri government, electoral processes, and American history (including specific coverage of the racial equality movement) to all students in grades 9-12. Students must pass a statewide exam on the U.S. and Missouri Constitutions, American history, and civics to graduate, with limited exemptions for transfer students from other states. School districts must annually nominate students for recognition based on academic achievement and community service related to government and citizenship. The requirements do not apply to foreign exchange students.
HB 1757 requires school districts to establish state-approved gifted education programs if 3% or more of students are identified as needing specialized services, starting in the 2024-25 school year. It mandates universal screenings for all students before third grade using multiple assessment methods (like academic achievement and creativity), prohibits using Advanced Placement courses alone for identification, and sets teacher certification requirements based on district size. Districts must also create parent notification processes and appeal procedures for gifted program eligibility decisions. The bill directly affects school districts, teachers, gifted students, and their families by standardizing how districts identify and serve gifted students.
HB 2209 requires all Missouri public and private high schools (excluding trade schools) to offer a civics course covering U.S. and Missouri government, electoral processes, and American history by 9th-12th grade. Students must pass a 100-question exam (similar to the U.S. citizenship test) on civics, U.S. Constitution, and American history to graduate. The bill includes exceptions for transfer students with prior documentation and students with disabilities via IEP recommendations. It also mandates that American history courses include coverage of the racial equality movement's impact on laws and attitudes.
