There has been much discussion among lawmakers this session regarding education. As chair of the Senate Education Committee, it has been a big responsibility to provide for the educational needs of Missourians. In this changing world, we need to explore non-traditional methods of education in order to provide for the best interests of today’s students. We can achieve this by researching and utilizing common-sense options.
Charter schools offer a publicly funded alternative to the traditional public school, as well as allowing options to students in low-performing or unaccredited school districts. As of February 2011, Missouri was home to 51 charter schools in St. Louis and Kansas City, serving more than 18,000 students. There are two bills currently in the Senate regarding the administration and scope of charter schools. Those bills would bring transparency and accountability to charter schools. It would also allow limited expansion with the approval of a local school board.
Senate Bill 762 focuses on high risk or alternative charter schools, allowing for alternative assessments of high risk students in order to satisfy graduation requirements. Assessments can include performance-based credit, off-campus instruction or independent study, or even work experience. Alternative assessments and the performance standards of the schools that offer them must be evaluated by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for state standard compliance.
Many of the provisions in SB 762 are also contained in Senate Bill 576. It also modifies a number of aspects concerning the governing and administration of charter schools. One of the main provisions of the bill allows for charter schools to open in unaccredited school districts outside of the St. Louis and Kansas City areas, opening new education possibilities to rural Missouri.
SB 576 was given first-round approval in the Senate this week. My colleagues and I will need to discuss the bill and vote once more before sending it to the House for its consideration.
Another option is homeschooling, which has gained popularity in the last decade. Approximately 26,640 Missouri students were homeschooled during the 2010-11 school year. However, when homeschooled students approach higher education, they might not have the benefit of a school counselor to assist them in completing college applications or offering financial aid suggestions. Because of this common problem, homeschooled students have not typically had the same access to financial aid as traditional students. A bill introduced this session, Senate Bill 527, would allow homeschooled students who have completed their secondary education requirements to be equally considered for any financial aid opportunities. This opens the opportunity for higher education to students whose family chose a non-traditional education.
The goal of the General Assembly is to best serve Missouri’s students, to offer our children the opportunity to excel in their education. In doing so, we assist those students in reaching their potential for success, in turn, creating a bright future full of well-educated citizens.
As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.
Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.
Senate Bill 762 focuses on high risk or alternative charter schools, allowing for alternative assessments of high risk students in order to satisfy graduation requirements. Assessments can include performance-based credit, off-campus instruction or independent study, or even work experience. Alternative assessments and the performance standards of the schools that offer them must be evaluated by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for state standard compliance.
Many of the provisions in SB 762 are also contained in Senate Bill 576. It also modifies a number of aspects concerning the governing and administration of charter schools. One of the main provisions of the bill allows for charter schools to open in unaccredited school districts outside of the St. Louis and Kansas City areas, opening new education possibilities to rural Missouri.
SB 576 was given first-round approval in the Senate this week. My colleagues and I will need to discuss the bill and vote once more before sending it to the House for its consideration.
Another option is homeschooling, which has gained popularity in the last decade. Approximately 26,640 Missouri students were homeschooled during the 2010-11 school year. However, when homeschooled students approach higher education, they might not have the benefit of a school counselor to assist them in completing college applications or offering financial aid suggestions. Because of this common problem, homeschooled students have not typically had the same access to financial aid as traditional students. A bill introduced this session, Senate Bill 527, would allow homeschooled students who have completed their secondary education requirements to be equally considered for any financial aid opportunities. This opens the opportunity for higher education to students whose family chose a non-traditional education.
The goal of the General Assembly is to best serve Missouri’s students, to offer our children the opportunity to excel in their education. In doing so, we assist those students in reaching their potential for success, in turn, creating a bright future full of well-educated citizens.
As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.
Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.
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