Missouri Revised Statutes
Chapter 160
Schools--General Provisions
←160.542
Section 160.545.1
160.550→
August 28, 2015
A+ school program established--purpose--rules--variable fund match requirement--waiver of rules and regulations, requirement--reimbursement for higher education costs for students--evaluation--reimbursement for two-year schools.
160.545. 1. There is hereby established within the department of
elementary and secondary education the "A+ Schools Program" to be
administered by the commissioner of education. The program shall consist
of grant awards made to public secondary schools that demonstrate a
commitment to ensure that:
(1) All students be graduated from school;
(2) All students complete a selection of high school studies that is
challenging and for which there are identified learning expectations; and
(3) All students proceed from high school graduation to a college or
postsecondary vocational or technical school or high-wage job with work
place skill development opportunities.
2. The state board of education shall promulgate rules and
regulations for the approval of grants made under the program to schools
that:
(1) Establish measurable districtwide performance standards for the
goals of the program outlined in subsection 1 of this section; and
(2) Specify the knowledge, skills and competencies, in measurable
terms, that students must demonstrate to successfully complete any
individual course offered by the school, and any course of studies which
will qualify a student for graduation from the school; and
(3) Do not offer a general track of courses that, upon completion,
can lead to a high school diploma; and
(4) Require rigorous coursework with standards of competency in basic
academic subjects for students pursuing vocational and technical education
as prescribed by rule and regulation of the state board of education; and
(5) Have a partnership plan developed in cooperation and with the
advice of local business persons, labor leaders, parents, and
representatives of college and postsecondary vocational and technical
school representatives, with the plan then approved by the local board of
education. The plan shall specify a mechanism to receive information on an
annual basis from those who developed the plan in addition to senior
citizens, community leaders, and teachers to update the plan in order to
best meet the goals of the program as provided in subsection 1 of this
section. Further, the plan shall detail the procedures used in the school
to identify students that may drop out of school and the intervention
services to be used to meet the needs of such students. The plan shall
outline counseling and mentoring services provided to students who will
enter the work force upon graduation from high school, address
apprenticeship and intern programs, and shall contain procedures for the
recruitment of volunteers from the community of the school to serve in
schools receiving program grants.
3. A school district may participate in the program irrespective of
its accreditation classification by the state board of education, provided
it meets all other requirements.
4. By rule and regulation, the state board of education may determine
a local school district variable fund match requirement in order for a
school or schools in the district to receive a grant under the program.
However, no school in any district shall receive a grant under the program
unless the district designates a salaried employee to serve as the program
coordinator, with the district assuming a minimum of one-half the cost of
the salary and other benefits provided to the coordinator. Further, no
school in any district shall receive a grant under the program unless the
district makes available facilities and services for adult literacy
training as specified by rule of the state board of education.
5. For any school that meets the requirements for the approval of the
grants authorized by this section and specified in subsection 2 of this
section for three successive school years, by August first following the
third such school year, the commissioner of education shall present a plan
to the superintendent of the school district in which such school is
located for the waiver of rules and regulations to promote flexibility in
the operations of the school and to enhance and encourage efficiency in the
delivery of instructional services in the school. The provisions of other
law to the contrary notwithstanding, the plan presented to the
superintendent shall provide a summary waiver, with no conditions, for the
pupil testing requirements pursuant to section 160.257 in the school.
Further, the provisions of other law to the contrary notwithstanding, the
plan shall detail a means for the waiver of requirements otherwise imposed
on the school related to the authority of the state board of education to
classify school districts pursuant to subdivision (9) of section 161.092
and such other rules and regulations as determined by the commissioner of
education, except such waivers shall be confined to the school and not
other schools in the school district unless such other schools meet the
requirements of this subsection. However, any waiver provided to any
school as outlined in this subsection shall be void on June thirtieth of
any school year in which the school fails to meet the requirements for the
approval of the grants authorized by this section as specified in
subsection 2 of this section.
6. For any school year, grants authorized by subsections 1, 2, and 4
of this section shall be funded with the amount appropriated for this
program, less those funds necessary to reimburse eligible students pursuant
to subsection 7 of this section.
7. The department of higher education shall, by rule, establish a
procedure for the reimbursement of the cost of tuition, books and fees to
any public community college or vocational or technical school or within
the limits established in subsection 9 of this section for any two-year
private vocational or technical school for any student:
(1) Who has attended a public high school in the state for at least
three years immediately prior to graduation that meets the requirements of
subsection 2 of this section; except that, students who are active duty
military dependents, and students who are dependants of retired military
who relocate to Missouri within one year of the date of the parent's
retirement from active duty, who, in the school year immediately preceding
graduation, meet all other requirements of this subsection and are
attending a school that meets the requirements of subsection 2 of this
section shall be exempt from the three-year attendance requirement of this
subdivision; and
(2) Who has made a good faith effort to first secure all available
federal sources of funding that could be applied to the reimbursement
described in this subsection; and
(3) Who has earned a minimal grade average while in high school as
determined by rule of the department of higher education, and other
requirements for the reimbursement authorized by this subsection as
determined by rule and regulation of the department; and
(4) Who is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
8. The commissioner of education shall develop a procedure for
evaluating the effectiveness of the program described in this section.
Such evaluation shall be conducted annually with the results of the
evaluation provided to the governor, speaker of the house, and president
pro tempore of the senate.
9. For a two-year private vocational or technical school to obtain
reimbursements under subsection 7 of this section, the following
requirements shall be satisfied:
(1) Such two-year private vocational or technical school shall be a
member of the North Central Association and be accredited by the Higher
Learning Commission as of July 1, 2008, and maintain such accreditation;
(2) Such two-year private vocational or technical school shall be
designated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended;
(3) No two-year private vocational or technical school shall receive
tuition reimbursements in excess of the tuition rate charged by a public
community college for course work offered by the private vocational or
technical school within the service area of such college; and
(4) The reimbursements provided to any two-year private vocational or
technical school shall not violate the provisions of Article IX, Section 8,
or Article I, Section 7, of the Missouri Constitution or the first
amendment of the United States Constitution.
(L. 1993 S.B. 380 § 14, A.L. 2002 S.B. 859, A.L. 2008 H.B. 2191, A.L.
2009 H.B. 490, A.L. 2010 H.B. 1524 & 2260 merged with H.B. 2147 &
2261, A.L. 2014 H.B. 1299 Revision, A.L. 2015 S.B. 224)
*Effective 10-16-15, see § 21.250. S.B. 224 was vetoed on July 11,
2015. The veto was overridden September 16, 2015.
2014
2010
2009
2008
2002
1993
2014
160.545. 1. There is hereby established within the department of
elementary and secondary education the "A+ Schools Program" to be
administered by the commissioner of education. The program shall consist
of grant awards made to public secondary schools that demonstrate a
commitment to ensure that:
(1) All students be graduated from school;
(2) All students complete a selection of high school studies that is
challenging and for which there are identified learning expectations; and
(3) All students proceed from high school graduation to a college or
postsecondary vocational or technical school or high-wage job with work
place skill development opportunities.
2. The state board of education shall promulgate rules and
regulations for the approval of grants made under the program to schools
that:
(1) Establish measurable districtwide performance standards for the
goals of the program outlined in subsection 1 of this section; and
(2) Specify the knowledge, skills and competencies, in measurable
terms, that students must demonstrate to successfully complete any
individual course offered by the school, and any course of studies which
will qualify a student for graduation from the school; and
(3) Do not offer a general track of courses that, upon completion,
can lead to a high school diploma; and
(4) Require rigorous coursework with standards of competency in basic
academic subjects for students pursuing vocational and technical education
as prescribed by rule and regulation of the state board of education; and
(5) Have a partnership plan developed in cooperation and with the
advice of local business persons, labor leaders, parents, and
representatives of college and postsecondary vocational and technical
school representatives, with the plan then approved by the local board of
education. The plan shall specify a mechanism to receive information on an
annual basis from those who developed the plan in addition to senior
citizens, community leaders, and teachers to update the plan in order to
best meet the goals of the program as provided in subsection 1 of this
section. Further, the plan shall detail the procedures used in the school
to identify students that may drop out of school and the intervention
services to be used to meet the needs of such students. The plan shall
outline counseling and mentoring services provided to students who will
enter the work force upon graduation from high school, address
apprenticeship and intern programs, and shall contain procedures for the
recruitment of volunteers from the community of the school to serve in
schools receiving program grants.
3. A school district may participate in the program irrespective of
its accreditation classification by the state board of education, provided
it meets all other requirements.
4. By rule and regulation, the state board of education may determine
a local school district variable fund match requirement in order for a
school or schools in the district to receive a grant under the program.
However, no school in any district shall receive a grant under the program
unless the district designates a salaried employee to serve as the program
coordinator, with the district assuming a minimum of one-half the cost of
the salary and other benefits provided to the coordinator. Further, no
school in any district shall receive a grant under the program unless the
district makes available facilities and services for adult literacy
training as specified by rule of the state board of education.
5. For any school that meets the requirements for the approval of the
grants authorized by this section and specified in subsection 2 of this
section for three successive school years, by August first following the
third such school year, the commissioner of education shall present a plan
to the superintendent of the school district in which such school is
located for the waiver of rules and regulations to promote flexibility in
the operations of the school and to enhance and encourage efficiency in the
delivery of instructional services in the school. The provisions of other
law to the contrary notwithstanding, the plan presented to the
superintendent shall provide a summary waiver, with no conditions, for the
pupil testing requirements pursuant to section 160.257 in the school.
Further, the provisions of other law to the contrary notwithstanding, the
plan shall detail a means for the waiver of requirements otherwise imposed
on the school related to the authority of the state board of education to
classify school districts pursuant to subdivision (9) of section 161.092
and such other rules and regulations as determined by the commissioner of
education, except such waivers shall be confined to the school and not
other schools in the school district unless such other schools meet the
requirements of this subsection. However, any waiver provided to any
school as outlined in this subsection shall be void on June thirtieth of
any school year in which the school fails to meet the requirements for the
approval of the grants authorized by this section as specified in
subsection 2 of this section.
6. For any school year, grants authorized by subsections 1 to 3 of
this section shall be funded with the amount appropriated for this program,
less those funds necessary to reimburse eligible students pursuant to
subsection 7 of this section.
7. The department of higher education shall, by rule, establish a
procedure for the reimbursement of the cost of tuition, books and fees to
any public community college or vocational or technical school or within
the limits established in subsection 9 of this section for any two-year
private vocational or technical school for any student:
(1) Who has attended a public high school in the state for at least
three years immediately prior to graduation that meets the requirements of
subsection 2 of this section; except that, students who are active duty
military dependents, and students who are dependants of retired military
who relocate to Missouri within one year of the date of the parent's
retirement from active duty, who, in the school year immediately preceding
graduation, meet all other requirements of this subsection and are
attending a school that meets the requirements of subsection 2 of this
section shall be exempt from the three-year attendance requirement of this
subdivision; and
(2) Who has made a good faith effort to first secure all available
federal sources of funding that could be applied to the reimbursement
described in this subsection; and
(3) Who has earned a minimal grade average while in high school as
determined by rule of the department of higher education, and other
requirements for the reimbursement authorized by this subsection as
determined by rule and regulation of said board.
8. The commissioner of education shall develop a procedure for
evaluating the effectiveness of the program described in this section.
Such evaluation shall be conducted annually with the results of the
evaluation provided to the governor, speaker of the house, and president
pro tempore of the senate.
9. For a two-year private vocational or technical school to obtain
reimbursements under subsection 7 of this section, the following
requirements shall be satisfied:
(1) Such two-year private vocational or technical school shall be a
member of the North Central Association and be accredited by the Higher
Learning Commission as of July 1, 2008, and maintain such accreditation;
(2) Such two-year private vocational or technical school shall be
designated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended;
(3) No two-year private vocational or technical school shall receive
tuition reimbursements in excess of the tuition rate charged by a public
community college for course work offered by the private vocational or
technical school within the service area of such college; and
(4) The reimbursements provided to any two-year private vocational or
technical school shall not violate the provisions of Article IX, Section 8,
or Article I, Section 7, of the Missouri Constitution or the first
amendment of the United States Constitution.
2010
160.545. 1. There is hereby established within the department of
elementary and secondary education the "A+ Schools Program" to be
administered by the commissioner of education. The program shall consist
of grant awards made to public secondary schools that demonstrate a
commitment to ensure that:
(1) All students be graduated from school;
(2) All students complete a selection of high school studies that is
challenging and for which there are identified learning expectations; and
(3) All students proceed from high school graduation to a college or
postsecondary vocational or technical school or high-wage job with work
place skill development opportunities.
2. The state board of education shall promulgate rules and
regulations for the approval of grants made under the program to schools
that:
(1) Establish measurable districtwide performance standards for the
goals of the program outlined in subsection 1 of this section; and
(2) Specify the knowledge, skills and competencies, in measurable
terms, that students must demonstrate to successfully complete any
individual course offered by the school, and any course of studies which
will qualify a student for graduation from the school; and
(3) Do not offer a general track of courses that, upon completion,
can lead to a high school diploma; and
(4) Require rigorous coursework with standards of competency in basic
academic subjects for students pursuing vocational and technical education
as prescribed by rule and regulation of the state board of education; and
(5) Have a partnership plan developed in cooperation and with the
advice of local business persons, labor leaders, parents, and
representatives of college and postsecondary vocational and technical
school representatives, with the plan then approved by the local board of
education. The plan shall specify a mechanism to receive information on an
annual basis from those who developed the plan in addition to senior
citizens, community leaders, and teachers to update the plan in order to
best meet the goals of the program as provided in subsection 1 of this
section. Further, the plan shall detail the procedures used in the school
to identify students that may drop out of school and the intervention
services to be used to meet the needs of such students. The plan shall
outline counseling and mentoring services provided to students who will
enter the work force upon graduation from high school, address
apprenticeship and intern programs, and shall contain procedures for the
recruitment of volunteers from the community of the school to serve in
schools receiving program grants.
3. A school district may participate in the program irrespective of
its accreditation classification by the state board of education, provided
it meets all other requirements.
4. By rule and regulation, the state board of education may determine
a local school district variable fund match requirement in order for a
school or schools in the district to receive a grant under the program.
However, no school in any district shall receive a grant under the program
unless the district designates a salaried employee to serve as the program
coordinator, with the district assuming a minimum of one-half the cost of
the salary and other benefits provided to the coordinator. Further, no
school in any district shall receive a grant under the program unless the
district makes available facilities and services for adult literacy
training as specified by rule of the state board of education.
5. For any school that meets the requirements for the approval of the
grants authorized by this section and specified in subsection 2 of this
section for three successive school years, by August first following the
third such school year, the commissioner of education shall present a plan
to the superintendent of the school district in which such school is
located for the waiver of rules and regulations to promote flexibility in
the operations of the school and to enhance and encourage efficiency in the
delivery of instructional services in the school. The provisions of other
law to the contrary notwithstanding, the plan presented to the
superintendent shall provide a summary waiver, with no conditions, for the
pupil testing requirements pursuant to section 160.257 in the school.
Further, the provisions of other law to the contrary notwithstanding, the
plan shall detail a means for the waiver of requirements otherwise imposed
on the school related to the authority of the state board of education to
classify school districts pursuant to subdivision (9) of section 161.092
and such other rules and regulations as determined by the commissioner of
education, except such waivers shall be confined to the school and not
other schools in the school district unless such other schools meet the
requirements of this subsection. However, any waiver provided to any
school as outlined in this subsection shall be void on June thirtieth of
any school year in which the school fails to meet the requirements for the
approval of the grants authorized by this section as specified in
subsection 2 of this section.
6. For any school year, grants authorized by subsections 1 to 3 of
this section shall be funded with the amount appropriated for this program,
less those funds necessary to reimburse eligible students pursuant to
subsection 7 of this section.
7. The commissioner of education shall, by rule and regulation of the
state board of education and with the advice of the coordinating board for
higher education, establish a procedure for the reimbursement of the cost
of tuition, books and fees to any public community college or vocational or
technical school or within the limits established in subsection 9 of this
section for any two-year private vocational or technical school for any
student:
(1) Who has attended a public high school in the state for at least
three years immediately prior to graduation that meets the requirements of
subsection 2 of this section, except that students who are active duty
military dependents, and students who are dependants of retired military
who relocate to Missouri within one year of the date of the parent's*
retirement from active duty, who, in the school year immediately preceding
graduation, meet all other requirements of this subsection and are
attending a school that meets the requirements of subsection 2 of this
section shall be exempt from the three-year attendance requirement of this
subdivision; and
(2) Who has made a good faith effort to first secure all available
federal sources of funding that could be applied to the reimbursement
described in this subsection; and
(3) Who has earned a minimal grade average while in high school as
determined by rule of the state board of education, and other requirements
for the reimbursement authorized by this subsection as determined by rule
and regulation of said board.
8. The commissioner of education shall develop a procedure for
evaluating the effectiveness of the program described in this section.
Such evaluation shall be conducted annually with the results of the
evaluation provided to the governor, speaker of the house, and president
pro tempore of the senate.
9. For a two-year private vocational or technical school to obtain
reimbursements under subsection 7 of this section, the following
requirements shall be satisfied:
(1) Such two-year private vocational or technical school shall be a
member of the North Central Association and be accredited by the Higher
Learning Commission as of July 1, 2008, and maintain such accreditation;
(2) Such two-year private vocational or technical school shall be
designated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended;
(3) No two-year private vocational or technical school shall receive
tuition reimbursements in excess of the tuition rate charged by a public
community college for course work offered by the private vocational or
technical school within the service area of such college; and
(4) The reimbursements provided to any two-year private vocational or
technical school shall not violate the provisions of article IX, section 8,
or article I, section 7, of the Missouri Constitution or the first
amendment of the United States Constitution.
2009
160.545. 1. There is hereby established within the department of
elementary and secondary education the "A+ Schools Program" to be
administered by the commissioner of education. The program shall consist
of grant awards made to public secondary schools that demonstrate a
commitment to ensure that:
(1) All students be graduated from school;
(2) All students complete a selection of high school studies that is
challenging and for which there are identified learning expectations; and
(3) All students proceed from high school graduation to a college or
postsecondary vocational or technical school or high-wage job with work
place skill development opportunities.
2. The state board of education shall promulgate rules and
regulations for the approval of grants made under the program to schools
that:
(1) Establish measurable districtwide performance standards for the
goals of the program outlined in subsection 1 of this section; and
(2) Specify the knowledge, skills and competencies, in measurable
terms, that students must demonstrate to successfully complete any
individual course offered by the school, and any course of studies which
will qualify a student for graduation from the school; and
(3) Do not offer a general track of courses that, upon completion,
can lead to a high school diploma; and
(4) Require rigorous coursework with standards of competency in basic
academic subjects for students pursuing vocational and technical education
as prescribed by rule and regulation of the state board of education; and
(5) Have a partnership plan developed in cooperation and with the
advice of local business persons, labor leaders, parents, and
representatives of college and postsecondary vocational and technical
school representatives, with the plan then approved by the local board of
education. The plan shall specify a mechanism to receive information on an
annual basis from those who developed the plan in addition to senior
citizens, community leaders, and teachers to update the plan in order to
best meet the goals of the program as provided in subsection 1 of this
section. Further, the plan shall detail the procedures used in the school
to identify students that may drop out of school and the intervention
services to be used to meet the needs of such students. The plan shall
outline counseling and mentoring services provided to students who will
enter the work force upon graduation from high school, address
apprenticeship and intern programs, and shall contain procedures for the
recruitment of volunteers from the community of the school to serve in
schools receiving program grants.
3. A school district may participate in the program irrespective of
its accreditation classification by the state board of education, provided
it meets all other requirements.
4. By rule and regulation, the state board of education may determine
a local school district variable fund match requirement in order for a
school or schools in the district to receive a grant under the program.
However, no school in any district shall receive a grant under the program
unless the district designates a salaried employee to serve as the program
coordinator, with the district assuming a minimum of one-half the cost of
the salary and other benefits provided to the coordinator. Further, no
school in any district shall receive a grant under the program unless the
district makes available facilities and services for adult literacy
training as specified by rule of the state board of education.
5. For any school that meets the requirements for the approval of the
grants authorized by this section and specified in subsection 2 of this
section for three successive school years, by August first following the
third such school year, the commissioner of education shall present a plan
to the superintendent of the school district in which such school is
located for the waiver of rules and regulations to promote flexibility in
the operations of the school and to enhance and encourage efficiency in the
delivery of instructional services in the school. The provisions of other
law to the contrary notwithstanding, the plan presented to the
superintendent shall provide a summary waiver, with no conditions, for the
pupil testing requirements pursuant to section 160.257 in the school.
Further, the provisions of other law to the contrary notwithstanding, the
plan shall detail a means for the waiver of requirements otherwise imposed
on the school related to the authority of the state board of education to
classify school districts pursuant to subdivision (9) of section 161.092,
RSMo, and such other rules and regulations as determined by the
commissioner of education, except such waivers shall be confined to the
school and not other schools in the school district unless such other
schools meet the requirements of this subsection. However, any waiver
provided to any school as outlined in this subsection shall be void on June
thirtieth of any school year in which the school fails to meet the
requirements for the approval of the grants authorized by this section as
specified in subsection 2 of this section.
6. For any school year, grants authorized by subsections 1 to 3 of
this section shall be funded with the amount appropriated for this program,
less those funds necessary to reimburse eligible students pursuant to
subsection 7 of this section.
7. The commissioner of education shall, by rule and regulation of the
state board of education and with the advice of the coordinating board for
higher education, establish a procedure for the reimbursement of the cost
of tuition, books and fees to any public community college or vocational or
technical school or within the limits established in subsection 9 of this
section for any two-year private vocational or technical school for any
student:
(1) Who has attended a public high school in the state for at least
three years immediately prior to graduation that meets the requirements of
subsection 2 of this section, except that students who are active duty
military dependents who, in the school year immediately preceding
graduation, meet all other requirements of this subsection and are
attending a school that meets the requirements of subsection 2 of this
section shall be exempt from the three-year attendance requirement of this
subdivision; and
(2) Who has made a good faith effort to first secure all available
federal sources of funding that could be applied to the reimbursement
described in this subsection; and
(3) Who has earned a minimal grade average while in high school as
determined by rule of the state board of education, and other requirements
for the reimbursement authorized by this subsection as determined by rule
and regulation of said board.
8. The commissioner of education shall develop a procedure for
evaluating the effectiveness of the program described in this section.
Such evaluation shall be conducted annually with the results of the
evaluation provided to the governor, speaker of the house, and president
pro tempore of the senate.
9. For a two-year private vocational or technical school to obtain
reimbursements under subsection 7 of this section, the following
requirements shall be satisfied:
(1) Such two-year private vocational or technical school shall be a
member of the North Central Association and be accredited by the Higher
Learning Commission as of July 1, 2008, and maintain such accreditation;
(2) Such two-year private vocational or technical school shall be
designated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended;
(3) No two-year private vocational or technical school shall receive
tuition reimbursements in excess of the tuition rate charged by a public
community college for course work offered by the private vocational or
technical school within the service area of such college; and
(4) The reimbursements provided to any two-year private vocational or
technical school shall not violate the provisions of article IX, section 8,
or article I, section 7, of the Missouri Constitution or the first
amendment of the United States Constitution.
2008
160.545. 1. There is hereby established within the department of
elementary and secondary education the "A+ Schools Program" to be
administered by the commissioner of education. The program shall consist
of grant awards made to public secondary schools that demonstrate a
commitment to ensure that:
(1) All students be graduated from school;
(2) All students complete a selection of high school studies that is
challenging and for which there are identified learning expectations; and
(3) All students proceed from high school graduation to a college or
postsecondary vocational or technical school or high-wage job with work
place skill development opportunities. 2. The state board of education
shall promulgate rules and regulations for the approval of grants made
under the program to schools that:
(1) Establish measurable districtwide performance standards for the
goals of the program outlined in subsection 1 of this section; and
(2) Specify the knowledge, skills and competencies, in measurable
terms, that students must demonstrate to successfully complete any
individual course offered by the school, and any course of studies which
will qualify a student for graduation from the school; and
(3) Do not offer a general track of courses that, upon completion,
can lead to a high school diploma; and
(4) Require rigorous coursework with standards of competency in basic
academic subjects for students pursuing vocational and technical education
as prescribed by rule and regulation of the state board of education; and
(5) Have a partnership plan developed in cooperation and with the
advice of local business persons, labor leaders, parents, and
representatives of college and postsecondary vocational and technical
school representatives, with the plan then approved by the local board of
education. The plan shall specify a mechanism to receive information on an
annual basis from those who developed the plan in addition to senior
citizens, community leaders, and teachers to update the plan in order to
best meet the goals of the program as provided in subsection 1 of this
section. Further, the plan shall detail the procedures used in the school
to identify students that may drop out of school and the intervention
services to be used to meet the needs of such students. The plan shall
outline counseling and mentoring services provided to students who will
enter the work force upon graduation from high school, address
apprenticeship and intern programs, and shall contain procedures for the
recruitment of volunteers from the community of the school to serve in
schools receiving program grants.
3. A school district may participate in the program irrespective of
its accreditation classification by the state board of education, provided
it meets all other requirements.
4. By rule and regulation, the state board of education may determine
a local school district variable fund match requirement in order for a
school or schools in the district to receive a grant under the program.
However, no school in any district shall receive a grant under the program
unless the district designates a salaried employee to serve as the program
coordinator, with the district assuming a minimum of one-half the cost of
the salary and other benefits provided to the coordinator. Further, no
school in any district shall receive a grant under the program unless the
district makes available facilities and services for adult literacy
training as specified by rule of the state board of education.
5. For any school that meets the requirements for the approval of the
grants authorized by this section and specified in subsection 2 of this
section for three successive school years, by August first following the
third such school year, the commissioner of education shall present a plan
to the superintendent of the school district in which such school is
located for the waiver of rules and regulations to promote flexibility in
the operations of the school and to enhance and encourage efficiency in the
delivery of instructional services in the school. The provisions of other
law to the contrary notwithstanding, the plan presented to the
superintendent shall provide a summary waiver, with no conditions, for the
pupil testing requirements pursuant to section 160.257 in the school.
Further, the provisions of other law to the contrary notwithstanding, the
plan shall detail a means for the waiver of requirements otherwise imposed
on the school related to the authority of the state board of education to
classify school districts pursuant to subdivision (9) of section 161.092,
RSMo, and such other rules and regulations as determined by the
commissioner of education, except such waivers shall be confined to the
school and not other schools in the school district unless such other
schools meet the requirements of this subsection. However, any waiver
provided to any school as outlined in this subsection shall be void on June
thirtieth of any school year in which the school fails to meet the
requirements for the approval of the grants authorized by this section as
specified in subsection 2 of this section.
6. For any school year, grants authorized by subsections 1 to 3 of
this section shall be funded with the amount appropriated for this program,
less those funds necessary to reimburse eligible students pursuant to
subsection 7 of this section.
7. The commissioner of education shall, by rule and regulation of the
state board of education and with the advice of the coordinating board for
higher education, establish a procedure for the reimbursement of the cost
of tuition, books and fees to any public community college or within the
limits established in subsection 9 of this section any two-year public or
private vocational or technical school for any student:
(1) Who has attended a public high school in the state for at least
three years immediately prior to graduation that meets the requirements of
subsection 2 of this section, except that students who are active duty
military dependents who, in the school year immediately preceding
graduation, meet all other requirements of this subsection and are
attending a school that meets the requirements of subsection 2 of this
section shall be exempt from the three-year attendance requirement of this
subdivision; and
(2) Who has made a good faith effort to first secure all available
federal sources of funding that could be applied to the reimbursement
described in this subsection; and
(3) Who has earned a minimal grade average while in high school as
determined by rule of the state board of education, and other requirements
for the reimbursement authorized by this subsection as determined by rule
and regulation of said board.
8. The commissioner of education shall develop a procedure for
evaluating the effectiveness of the program described in this section.
Such evaluation shall be conducted annually with the results of the
evaluation provided to the governor, speaker of the house, and president
pro tempore of the senate.
9. For a two-year public or private vocational or technical school to
obtain reimbursements under subsection 7 of this section, except for those
schools that are receiving reimbursements on August 28, 2008, the following
requirements shall be satisfied:
(1) Such two-year public or private vocational or technical school
shall be a member of the North Central Association and be accredited by the
Higher Learning Commission as of July 1, 2008, and maintain such
accreditation;
(2) Such two-year public or private vocational or technical school
shall be designated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;
(3) No two-year public or private vocational or technical school
shall receive tuition reimbursements in excess of the tuition rate charged
by a public community college for course work offered by the private
vocational or technical school within the service area of such college; and
(4) The reimbursements provided to any two-year private vocational or
technical school shall not violate the provisions of article IX, section 8,
or article I, section 7, of the Missouri Constitution or the first
amendment of the United States Constitution.
2002
160.545. 1. There is hereby established within the department of
elementary and secondary education the "A+ Schools Program" to be
administered by the commissioner of education. The program shall consist
of grant awards made to public secondary schools that demonstrate a
commitment to ensure that:
(1) All students be graduated from school;
(2) All students complete a selection of high school studies that is
challenging and for which there are identified learning expectations; and
(3) All students proceed from high school graduation to a college or
postsecondary vocational or technical school or high-wage job with work
place skill development opportunities.
2. The state board of education shall promulgate rules and
regulations for the approval of grants made under the program to schools
that:
(1) Establish measurable districtwide performance standards for the
goals of the program outlined in subsection 1 of this section; and
(2) Specify the knowledge, skills and competencies, in measurable
terms, that students must demonstrate to successfully complete any
individual course offered by the school, and any course of studies which
will qualify a student for graduation from the school; and
(3) Do not offer a general track of courses that, upon completion,
can lead to a high school diploma; and
(4) Require rigorous coursework with standards of competency in basic
academic subjects for students pursuing vocational and technical education
as prescribed by rule and regulation of the state board of education; and
(5) Have a partnership plan developed in cooperation and with the
advice of local business persons, labor leaders, parents, and
representatives of college and postsecondary vocational and technical
school representatives, with the plan then approved by the local board of
education. The plan shall specify a mechanism to receive information on an
annual basis from those who developed the plan in addition to senior
citizens, community leaders, and teachers to update the plan in order to
best meet the goals of the program as provided in subsection 1 of this
section. Further, the plan shall detail the procedures used in the school
to identify students that may drop out of school and the intervention
services to be used to meet the needs of such students. The plan shall
outline counseling and mentoring services provided to students who will
enter the work force upon graduation from high school, address
apprenticeship and intern programs, and shall contain procedures for the
recruitment of volunteers from the community of the school to serve in
schools receiving program grants.
3. By rule and regulation, the state board of education may determine
a local school district variable fund match requirement in order for a
school or schools in the district to receive a grant under the program.
However, no school in any district shall receive a grant under the program
unless the district designates a salaried employee to serve as the program
coordinator, with the district assuming a minimum of one-half the cost of
the salary and other benefits provided to the coordinator. Further, no
school in any district shall receive a grant under the program unless the
district makes available facilities and services for adult literacy
training as specified by rule of the state board of education.
4. For any school that meets the requirements for the approval of the
grants authorized by this section and specified in subsection 2 of this
section for three successive school years, by August first following the
third such school year, the commissioner of education shall present a plan
to the superintendent of the school district in which such school is
located for the waiver of rules and regulations to promote flexibility in
the operations of the school and to enhance and encourage efficiency in the
delivery of instructional services in the school. The provisions of other
law to the contrary notwithstanding, the plan presented to the
superintendent shall provide a summary waiver, with no conditions, for the
pupil testing requirements pursuant to section 160.257 in the school.
Further, the provisions of other law to the contrary notwithstanding, the
plan shall detail a means for the waiver of requirements otherwise imposed
on the school related to the authority of the state board of education to
classify school districts pursuant to subdivision (9) of section 161.092,
RSMo, and such other rules and regulations as determined by the
commissioner of education, except such waivers shall be confined to the
school and not other schools in the school district unless such other
schools meet the requirements of this subsection. However, any waiver
provided to any school as outlined in this subsection shall be void on June
thirtieth of any school year in which the school fails to meet the
requirements for the approval of the grants authorized by this section as
specified in subsection 2 of this section.
5. For any school year, grants authorized by subsections 1 to 3 of
this section shall be funded with the amount appropriated for this program,
less those funds necessary to reimburse eligible students pursuant to
subsection 6 of this section.
6. The commissioner of education shall, by rule and regulation of the
state board of education and with the advice of the coordinating board for
higher education, establish a procedure for the reimbursement of the cost
of tuition, books and fees to any public community college or vocational or
technical school for any student:
(1) Who has attended a public high school in the state for at least
three years immediately prior to graduation that meets the requirements of
subsection 2 of this section, except that students who are active duty
military dependents who, in the school year immediately preceding
graduation, meet all other requirements of this subsection and are
attending a school that meets the requirements of subsection 2 of this
section shall be exempt from the three-year attendance requirement of this
subdivision; and
(2) Who has made a good faith effort to first secure all available
federal sources of funding that could be applied to the reimbursement
described in this subsection; and
(3) Who has earned a minimal grade average while in high school as
determined by rule of the state board of education, and other requirements
for the reimbursement authorized by this subsection as determined by rule
and regulation of said board.
7. The commissioner of education shall develop a procedure for
evaluating the effectiveness of the program described in this section.
Such evaluation shall be conducted annually with the results of the
evaluation provided to the governor, speaker of the house, and president
pro tempore of the senate.
1993
160.545. 1. There is hereby established within the
department of elementary and secondary education the "A+ Schools
Program" to be administered by the commissioner of education. The
program shall consist of grant awards made to public secondary schools
that demonstrate a commitment to ensure that:
(1) All students be graduated from school;
(2) All students complete a selection of high school
studies that is challenging and for which there are identified
learning expectations; and
(3) All students proceed from high school graduation to a
college or postsecondary vocational or technical school or high
wage job with work place skill development opportunities.
2. The state board of education shall promulgate rules and
regulations for the approval of grants made under the program to
schools that:
(1) Establish measurable district-wide performance
standards for the goals of the program outlined in subsection 1
of this section; and
(2) Specify the knowledge, skills and competencies, in
measurable terms, that students must demonstrate to successfully
complete any individual course offered by the school, and any
course of studies which will qualify a student for graduation
from the school; and
(3) Do not offer a general track of courses that, upon
completion, can lead to a high school diploma; and
(4) Require rigorous coursework with standards of
competency in basic academic subjects for students pursuing
vocational and technical education as prescribed by rule and
regulation of the state board of education; and
(5) Have a partnership plan developed in cooperation and
with the advice of local business persons, labor leaders,
parents, and representatives of college and postsecondary
vocational and technical school representatives, with the plan
then approved by the local board of education. The plan shall
specify a mechanism to receive information on an annual basis
from those who developed the plan in addition to senior citizens,
community leaders, and teachers to update the plan in order to
best meet the goals of the program as provided in subsection 1 of
this section. Further, the plan shall detail the procedures used
in the school to identify students that may drop out of school
and the intervention services to be used to meet the needs of
such students. The plan shall outline counseling and mentoring
services provided to students who will enter the work force upon
graduation from high school, address apprenticeship and intern
programs, and shall contain procedures for the recruitment of
volunteers from the community of the school to serve in schools
receiving program grants.
3. By rule and regulation, the state board of education may
determine a local school district variable fund match requirement
in order for a school or schools in the district to receive a
grant under the program. However, no school in any district
shall receive a grant under the program unless the district
designates a salaried employee to serve as the program
coordinator, with the district assuming a minimum of one-half the
cost of the salary and other benefits provided to the
coordinator. Further, no school in any district shall receive a
grant under the program unless the district makes available
facilities and services for adult literacy training as specified
by rule of the state board of education.
4. For any school that meets the requirements for the
approval of the grants authorized by this section and specified
in subsection 2 of this section for three successive school
years, by August first following the third such school year, the
commissioner of education shall present a plan to the
superintendent of the school district in which such school is
located for the waiver of rules and regulations to promote
flexibility in the operations of the school and to enhance and
encourage efficiency in the delivery of instructional services in
the school. The provisions of other law to the contrary
notwithstanding, the plan presented to the superintendent shall
provide a summary waiver, with no conditions, for the pupil
testing requirements pursuant to section 160.257 in the school.
Further, the provisions of other law to the contrary
notwithstanding, the plan shall detail a means for the waiver of
requirements otherwise imposed on the school related to the
authority of the state board of education to classify school
districts pursuant to subdivision (9) of section 161.092, RSMo,
and such other rules and regulations as determined by the
commissioner of education, except such waivers shall be confined
to the school and not other schools in the school district unless
such other schools meet the requirements of this subsection.
However, any waiver provided to any school as outlined in this
subsection shall be void on June thirtieth of any school year in
which the school fails to meet the requirements for the approval
of the grants authorized by this section as specified in
subsection 2 of this section.
5. Within the amount appropriated for the program, in
addition to the grants to public schools authorized by
subsections 1 to 3 of this section, the commissioner of education
shall, by rule and regulation of the state board of education and
with the advice of the coordinating board for higher education,
establish a procedure for the reimbursement of the cost of
tuition, books and fees to any public community college or
vocational or technical school for any student:
(1) Who has attended a public high school in the state for
at least three years immediately prior to graduation that meets
the requirements of subsection 2 of this section; and
(2) Who has made a good faith effort to first secure all
available federal sources of funding that could be applied to the
reimbursement described in this subsection; and
(3) Who has earned a minimal grade average while in high
school as determined by rule of the state board of education, and
other requirements for the reimbursement authorized by this
subsection as determined by rule and regulation of said board.
6. The commissioner of education shall develop a procedure
for evaluating the effectiveness of the program described in this
section. Such evaluation shall be conducted annually with the
results of the evaluation provided to the governor, speaker of
the house, and president pro tempore of the senate.
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