Secretary DeVos Approves Missouri's ESSA State Plan
Washington — U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today announced the approval of Missouri's consolidated state plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
"Missouri's plan met the requirements of the law, and so I am happy to approve it," said Secretary DeVos. "This plan should not be seen as a ceiling, but as a foundation upon which Missouri can improve education for its students."
Allowing states more flexibility in how they deliver education to students is at the core of ESSA. Each state crafted a plan that it feels will best offer educational opportunities to meet the needs of the state and its students.
The following are some of the unique elements from Missouri's approved plan as highlighted by the state:
- Improves access to advanced coursework for all students through its Virtual Instruction Program, particularly improving access for minority, economically disadvantaged, and rural or small school students.
- Supports the development and support of transformational school principals through its Leadership Development System, a comprehensive system of learning modules that are engaging and relevant.
"Missouri's ESSA plan supports our strategic priority of access, opportunity and equity for all of our students, from our most remote small towns to our metropolitan areas," said Missouri Interim Commissioner of Education Roger Dorson. "Our students' needs are very diverse, and we sought to address those needs through initiatives in our plan that will help ensure that all students are provided a high-quality education."