HB 3031 modifies Missouri's teacher certification rules by expanding grounds for license discipline and revocation. It automatically revokes teaching licenses for teachers convicted of specific serious offenses, including sexual crimes against children, murder, and certain felonies, as listed in subsection 6. School districts and the state education department can file disciplinary charges for violations like fraud, incompetence, or criminal convictions, with hearings requiring 30 days' notice. Teachers facing license revocation can appeal to the state board of education within 90 days, with a hearing process outlined in the bill.
HB 2049 requires Missouri public elementary schools to teach cursive writing, ensuring students can produce readable cursive documents by the end of fifth grade. It mandates that each student pass a teacher-created test demonstrating proficiency in both reading and writing cursive. The law applies directly to all elementary students in Missouri school districts and charter schools, with implementation details left to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
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.
SB 1198 is a proposed bill requiring all public schools to provide instruction in human growth and development. It would directly affect students in public K-12 schools by mandating this curriculum be included in their education. The bill's key mechanism is a straightforward requirement for school districts to incorporate this subject into their instructional programs. The bill is currently in early stages (prefiled, awaiting first reading) and does not specify grade levels, content details, or exemptions.
SB 1378 requires Missouri public school districts and charter schools to provide cursive writing instruction in elementary schools. It mandates that students achieve readable cursive writing by fifth grade and pass a teacher-created test demonstrating proficiency in both reading and writing cursive. The bill directly affects elementary students in Missouri public and charter schools by adding cursive writing as a required skill. It does not change existing curriculum standards but specifies a measurable outcome for cursive competency before fifth grade.
HB 2272 revises Missouri's rules for issuing and revoking teaching licenses. It expands the grounds for denying a license or revoking an existing one to include specific serious crimes, such as certain sexual offenses and dangerous felonies, as listed in the bill. The bill also clarifies procedures for school districts and the state education department to file formal charges against teachers for violations, requiring written notice and specific documentation. Teachers or applicants found guilty of the specified offenses will automatically lose their license, regardless of sentencing. This directly affects current and future teachers seeking certification in Missouri.
HB 2274 adopts Missouri into the "Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact," a multi-state agreement designed to simplify teacher licensure across participating states. The bill creates a streamlined pathway for teachers to move between member states, supports eligible military spouses relocating due to military service, and enables sharing of licensure and disciplinary information among states. It establishes an interstate commission to manage the compact and requires member states to recognize teaching licenses from other participating states without requiring additional exams or training. This directly affects teachers seeking employment in Missouri from other compact states, military spouses of active-duty service members, and education officials hiring out-of-state teachers. The compact aims to remove barriers to teacher mobility while maintaining each state's authority over teaching regulations.
HB 2252 creates the "Missouri Teachers Classroom Supply Assistance Program" to provide direct funding to K-12 teachers for classroom materials. Starting in the 2027-28 school year, the state will distribute funds to school districts based on average daily attendance, then allocate identical amounts to each teacher via debit cards before August 15 each year. Teachers can use these cards to purchase supplementary textbooks, library books, instructional supplies, and educational TV services for students - but not equipment - and must submit receipts to the school for five years. Unspent funds roll over to future years, and the program requires specific debit card labeling and teacher acknowledgment of usage terms.
HB 2078 requires Missouri school districts to adjust how they allocate funds for administrative staff and teachers. Starting in the 2027-28 school year, at least 88% of total compensation (salaries, wages, and benefits) must go to classroom teachers, increasing by 1% annually until reaching 95% by 2028-29 and beyond. The bill defines "teacher" as certified classroom educators and excludes non-classroom roles like coaches or advisors from this calculation. This directly affects all Missouri public school districts in their budgeting for staff compensation.
HB 1876 requires Missouri public school districts and charter schools to provide cursive writing instruction in elementary schools, ensuring students can produce legible cursive documents by the end of fifth grade. It mandates that each student must pass a teacher-constructed test demonstrating proficiency in both reading and writing cursive. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education may create implementing rules, subject to specific procedural requirements under state law. This bill directly affects all Missouri elementary students and school districts through a new curriculum requirement.
