The bill proposes the repeal of section 160.518 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and enacts a new section that outlines the framework for the Missouri assessment program test. The new section mandates the state board of education to develop a statewide assessment system that allows local school districts flexibility in evaluating student proficiency in various academic subjects. The assessment will focus on problem-solving, analytical abilities, and performance-based evaluations, while explicitly excluding rote memorization and existing test versions approved under section 160.257. Additionally, the bill establishes criteria for schools to demonstrate exemplary student performance and allows for the waiver of certain rules and regulations to promote operational flexibility for schools meeting these criteria. A significant addition to the bill is the requirement for the state board of education to include twenty additional questions on the Missouri assessment program test starting in the 2026-27 school year. These questions will specifically address topics related to slavery, the Reconstruction era, and Jim Crow laws, and will be graded separately to assess both student knowledge and the effectiveness of school districts in teaching these historical subjects. This new provision aims to enhance the educational curriculum by ensuring that critical aspects of American history are adequately covered in student assessments.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (5893H.01): 160.518