Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Shaping Futures Through Diverse Programs
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of the state. From early childhood care to high school graduation and beyond, DESE offers a variety of programs and initiatives designed to support students, educators, and communities. This article delves into the diverse programs offered by DESE, highlighting their impact and significance.
Investing in the Future: DESE's Core Values
DESE's commitment to education is evident in its various activities and programs. The department actively engages with stakeholders, including business leaders, educators, and students, to foster collaboration and investment in public education. This collaborative spirit is crucial for creating a strong and supportive educational ecosystem.
DESE recognizes the importance of educators in shaping young minds. As showcased during Love Teaching Week, DESE emphasizes that "teaching is the heartbeat of progress." Teachers inspire belief, ignite curiosity, and encourage dreams, creating a lasting impact on students' lives.
Supporting Future Farmers of America
Missouri is proud to be the home of 27,000 Future Farmers of America (FFA) members. DESE actively supports FFA, recognizing the vital role it plays in developing responsibility, teamwork, innovation, and dedication in students. FFA members gain valuable skills in classrooms, labs, fields, and barns, preparing them for future success in agriculture and related fields.
Recognizing Public Schools
DESE recognizes National Public Schools Week and celebrates the students, educators, staff, families, and community partners who make public education possible across the state. Public schools open doors to opportunity, support student growth, and prepare young people for college, careers, and civic life. Every day, educators and school personnel work to create safe, welcoming learning environments where all students can succeed. DESE thanks public school communities for their dedication and commitment to serving learners in every classroom and every community.
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Missouri Option Program: A Pathway to Graduation
The Missouri Option Program offers an alternative pathway to a high school diploma for students who are at least 17 years of age, enrolled in Missouri local education agencies (LEAs), and at risk of dropping out or not graduating with their cohort group. This program is competency-based and approved by the State Board of Education. Graduation through the Missouri Option Program is not dependent on credit attainment.
The Missouri Option Program is an effective program to retain students, lower drop-out rates, and improve college and career readiness. LEAs participating in the program must complete a compliance plan document, the Missouri Option Program Assurance Standards, accessed through the DESE Web Applications System. The Compliance Plan for Missouri Option Programs is open throughout the year.
Educator Certification and Resources
DESE provides resources and support for individuals seeking to become certified teachers in Missouri. A searchable directory is available to assist in locating information pertaining to institutions of higher education in Missouri, which offer academic programs leading to professional educator certification. The institutions listed in this directory have met rigorous standards and are approved by the Missouri State Board of Education.
The four-year institutions offer complete undergraduate programs from which candidates may be recommended for certification. Some of them have graduate programs for advanced certification and/or alternative programs for non-traditional candidates for certification. The two-year institutions offer programs that have been approved for preliminary stages of teacher preparation, from which credits may be transferred to the four-year institutions and counted toward fulfillment of the certification requirements. Individuals who meet certain qualifications may earn a Missouri certificate of license to teach by completing a state-approved Post-Baccalaureate certification program at an institution of higher education in Missouri.
Addressing the Child Care Subsidy Waitlist
Due to an increased number of families who qualify for assistance, Missouri families applying to the state's child care subsidy program will be placed on a waitlist starting March 1. The subsidy currently serves more than 27,000 children statewide, and the number of children served has increased 19% since January 2023.
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Families who were approved for child care subsidies before March 1 will not be affected by this change, and kids who are in foster care or child protective services will not be placed on the waitlist, according to DESE.
Child care assistance is funded primarily through federal Child Care and Development Block Grant funds. The waitlist is sorted by, in order of priority, children with special needs, families experiencing homelessness, and families with income below 100% of the federal poverty level. After that, families with an income above 100% of the federal poverty level who may be eligible are considered.
Data Resources and Accountability
The Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) APR provides local education agency (LEA) and building-level data for stakeholders. DESE also provides a Data Portal where school data is broken down by school, districts, and counties within the state.
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