Education (Testing & Assessment)

HB 1704, the Education Freedom Act, changes how public schools in Missouri are assessed by requiring a statewide system focused on practical skills like problem-solving and creativity (not rote memorization). It mandates that school districts create their own local assessment systems tied to their curriculum, developed with community input, and used for meaningful academic feedback. The bill also allows schools meeting high performance standards for three years to receive "Outstanding Schools Waivers," exempting them from certain state testing and classification rules. Test results from the statewide system may only be used for federal compliance and school performance ratings, not for classifying school districts.

HB 1640 prohibits Missouri public institutions of higher education (like community colleges and state universities) from accepting standardized test scores (e.g., ACT, SAT, LSAT) from testing entities that require disabled applicants to undergo recent comprehensive disability testing to receive accommodations. The bill specifically targets entities requiring such testing within two years before the exam date, aligning with federal disability laws (IDEA, Section 504, ADA). It directly affects disabled applicants with lifelong or static disabilities (like dyslexia, ADHD, or autism) who need accommodations for standardized tests. The prohibition applies starting in the 2027-28 academic year and aims to prevent unnecessary retesting for accommodations.