House Approves Bill To Alter Education Standards

A move to align Missouri education standards with federal standards passes in the House. The bill actually changes many things within the Department of Education, but the main aspect of it fits the Missouri Assessment Program – the MAP tests – with the new National Assessment of Educatonal Progress passed by Congress. It also makes other changes necessary for Missouri to meet the new federal requirements. A safety provision in the bill has increased its projected costs. Districts and their bus contractors would have to consult the sex offender registration list before deciding on bus stops. Also, students suspended for violence or drugs would not be allowed within a thousand feet of a school.