Education (Agriculture)

HB 1905 transitions Missouri's elementary agricultural education program from a limited pilot (running 2020-21 through 2026-27) to a statewide program effective starting in the 2027-28 school year. The bill repeals current law and requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop instructional models combining classroom learning, hands-on activities, and leadership development for all public elementary schools. Participating schools must fully fund and maintain the program for a minimum of three years. The department will also evaluate the pilot's success during its third year before implementing the statewide program.

SB 1383 requires all elementary schools in the state to implement an agricultural education program that was previously tested as a pilot. This bill directly affects every public elementary school and its students by mandating the inclusion of agricultural education in their curriculum. The key provision is the statewide expansion of the pilot program, moving it from a limited trial to a required statewide standard. The bill does not specify curriculum details or funding mechanisms, only the requirement for implementation.