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Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained. 
-- James A. Garfield
Legislation
MSTA Action
Click on the PDF icon for a complete copy of the May 22, 2009, MSTA Final Action
Document(s) in pdf format. Click here to download Adobe Acrobat®.
| Education had a good year | Federal money aids K-12 budget | State professional development funds cut | Social Security issue resolved for most teachers | Changes to retirement system pass | Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed Bills |
Education had a good year
The state budget, economic development and health care dominated the 2009 General Assembly, but education managed to fare well in the session ending May 15.
Unlike in past sessions, public education was not under attack from school-choice supporters pushing vouchers, tuition tax credits and open enrollment. Discussions at the Capitol this year centered on improving education and not undermining the efforts of educators who work hard everyday.
Omnibus bill SB291 (Shields) was the session's education centerpiece, with sound reforms that have the potential to help students for many years. The biggest changes are the compulsory-attendance age and the School Flex Program.
Students will have to remain in school until age 17 or until they have earned 16 credits toward graduation. Previously, students had to attend school until age 16. Under the School Flex Program, eligible high school juniors and seniors can earn credits while working in an approved job. These changes will help keep students earning credits and enrolled in school while working, even if they are considering dropping out.
Another important change was the Missouri Preschool Plus Program, which will offer grants for preschool programs in unaccredited school districts. In the future, many more students entering unaccredited school districts will have the advantage of a quality preschool program. Over time, students who are better prepared for school will help their unaccredited districts earn full accreditation.
Another addition is the Senior Cadet Teaching Program is designed to help students who have an interest in becoming teachers. The plan would allow students to earn credit for cadet teaching, and earn tuition reimbursement during their undergraduate studies. This should help bring more teachers into the field, and help reduce student-loan debts for future teachers.
Two other provisions that will help education are the removal of the 5-percent cap on the adequacy target in the foundation formula, and allowing districts the option of going to a four-day school week. Removing the 5-percent cap on the adequacy target will allow more state money to flow into public schools, and, over time, reduce the number of hold-harmless school districts receiving additional state money.
The optional four-day school week could allow districts to dramatically change the way they deliver education. They can set a school schedule that works best for their community, and use the extra day to deliver quality professional development to staff, enrichment opportunities for students or additional tutoring times.
Other SB291 provisions include: