Education (Testing & Assessment)

HB 2442 modifies Missouri's education assessment rules by replacing outdated provisions with new requirements for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The bill directly affects public schools, charter schools, and school districts by prohibiting the use of test results to classify school districts (Section 160.518, subsection 13) and banning assessments focused solely on rote memorization. Its key mechanism creates an "Outstanding Schools Waiver" program: schools meeting performance criteria for three consecutive years can apply for exemptions from certain testing requirements and state regulations under Section 160.518, subsection 4. The changes aim to align assessments with federal standards while emphasizing critical thinking skills over memorization, with waivers limited to qualifying schools within a district.

HB 1704, the Education Freedom Act, changes how public schools in Missouri are assessed by requiring a statewide system focused on practical skills like problem-solving and creativity (not rote memorization). It mandates that school districts create their own local assessment systems tied to their curriculum, developed with community input, and used for meaningful academic feedback. The bill also allows schools meeting high performance standards for three years to receive "Outstanding Schools Waivers," exempting them from certain state testing and classification rules. Test results from the statewide system may only be used for federal compliance and school performance ratings, not for classifying school districts.

HB 1800 modifies Missouri's property tax system by changing the inflation-based cap on how much local governments (cities, counties, school districts) can increase property tax rates annually. It revises the calculation for the "inflationary growth factor," requiring political subdivisions to adjust tax rates to maintain the same revenue as the previous year when property values change, but within a new, lower cap on rate increases. This directly affects local governments that collect property taxes, as they must recalibrate levies to match revenue from the prior year while adhering to the updated inflation limit. The bill replaces the existing cap with a revised formula to prevent excessive annual tax rate hikes tied to property value changes.

HB 1640 prohibits Missouri public institutions of higher education (like community colleges and state universities) from accepting standardized test scores (e.g., ACT, SAT, LSAT) from testing entities that require disabled applicants to undergo recent comprehensive disability testing to receive accommodations. The bill specifically targets entities requiring such testing within two years before the exam date, aligning with federal disability laws (IDEA, Section 504, ADA). It directly affects disabled applicants with lifelong or static disabilities (like dyslexia, ADHD, or autism) who need accommodations for standardized tests. The prohibition applies starting in the 2027-28 academic year and aims to prevent unnecessary retesting for accommodations.