Missouri is going after some big bucks to finance significant reform in education. A key meeting to plan that chase for funds takes place today.
The federal education department is offering 4.3-Billion dollars to the states that come up with comprehensive, innovative plans to reform their education systems. Missouri could get 150 to 200 million dollars or more.
Three-hundred educators, business people, lawmakers, students, and others are meeting in Jefferson City today to focus on improving academic standards and assessments, improving data systems that support instruction, finding better ways to recruit and retain outstanding teachers and administrators, and supporting struggling or low-performing school districts.
State education commissioner Chris NiCastro says it’s time to do reform the right way. “We’ve been doing educational reform in this country for a long time, yet we’ continue to lag behind other countries in terms of our achievement,” she says.
NiCastro wants to make the most of “a wonderful opportunity for the stakeholders of Missouri to come together around a common agenda for our children..” .
The state must submit its plan within 60 days.
Bob Priddy interviews Chris NiCastro
