Missouri schools would use local tests and publish yearly reports

The state board would develop statewide tests to meet federal testing requirements and limit how test results are used. The rules concern statewide tests for public school students and the state's use of test results. The tests would have to meet federal requirements for each school year. Results could be used only for federal requirements and determining district performance; they could not be used to classify districts or charter schools. The state board would develop and revise the testing system as needed for each school year.

Districts and charter schools would create, buy, or adopt local assessments and publish annual reports online. These duties would apply to Missouri public school districts and charter schools. Local assessments would relate to what schools teach, give students and teachers useful feedback, and be developed with input from school leaders, teachers, students, parents, and the community. Reports could show information by school, but could not identify individual students or education workers. Schools would share report information with families, community members, and news media by December 1 each year, or as soon as it becomes available.

The department would provide students and parents with grade-level information alongside statewide test results. The metric would cover students in grades three through eight. The metric would apply to grades three through eight and describe how close a student is to grade-level work, including readiness for the next grade or level. Building, school, district, and statewide data would be public, but could not identify a student except to that student or the student's parent. The department would provide the measure when statewide test scores are reported.

The state board would recognize at least two national school accreditation agencies and accept accreditation from an approved agency. The provision concerns Missouri school districts seeking accreditation through a national agency recognized by the state board. The board could determine whether a district counts as accredited, provisionally accredited, or unaccredited for purposes of section 160.400. This provision would apply during the 2027–28 through 2031–32 school years.