Missouri education department’s A-F school grading plan comes with warnings

July 1, 2026 - 23:30

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has officially submitted its proposal for a new A through F school grading system to Governor Mike Kehoe. The plan, delivered on Tuesday, aims to give parents and communities a clearer, more straightforward way to judge how well their local public schools are performing. However, the department attached a series of warnings to the proposal, signaling that the new labels might not tell the whole story.

Under the plan, schools would receive a single letter grade based on a combination of factors, including test scores, graduation rates, and student growth. Supporters argue this simplifies complex data into an easy-to-understand report card. But education officials cautioned that the system could unfairly penalize schools in poorer districts. They noted that schools serving high numbers of students from low-income families often struggle with metrics tied to standardized tests, even when those schools are making real progress.

The department also warned that the grading system might not capture the full picture of a school's environment, such as its arts programs, vocational training, or support for students with special needs. Critics worry the letter grades could lead to stigma, causing families to avoid schools that are actually improving but carry a low mark. The proposal now sits with Governor Kehoe, who will decide whether to move forward with the plan or send it back for revisions. The debate over how best to measure school success is far from over.