State Board holds public hearing on education standards

(From the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)

The State Board of Education conducted the first of three public hearings on Monday to discuss education standards related to HB 1490.

HB 1490, which was passed into law during the 2014 legislative session, calls for work groups of education professionals and parents to develop and recommend academic performance standards in English language arts, mathematics, social studies and science. Monday's hearing provided the public a chance to offer their comments and feedback to State Board members.

"The State Board believes that high standards help put kids on track for college and careers," State Board President Peter Herschend said. "Children will rise to our high expectations with the support of dedicated, effective teachers."

The State Board also heard a progress update from each of the eight work groups on Monday. Dates have not been set for the remaining two hearings. Those who cannot attend the hearings may send comments via email to .

The Department has developed a survey designed to gather comments about the Missouri Learning Standards. Interested parties may comment on the learning expectations in English language arts, mathematics, social studies and science by grade level and content area. The survey may be accessed at <www.surveymonkey.com/s/3xtp9wv>. All written and oral testimony from the hearings will be posted on the Department's website.

By law, the work groups must submit recommendations on revisions to the standards to the State Board by October 2015. The State Board of Education sets academic standards for education in the state.

High academic performance standards are directly related to a primary goal of Missouri's Top 10 by 20 initiative: All Missouri children will graduate ready for college and career.