Accreditation As Soon As Possible (ASAP)

Accreditation As Soon As Possible (ASAP)

Current Missouri law provides only one avenue of action by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) when a school district becomes classified as unaccredited.  In addition, due to a fixed timeframe, DESE may not take action for two full academic school years, which equates to nearly three calendar years.  Missouri PTA believes every child must be provided with a well-rounded, high-quality education, which will ensure that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.  Accreditation As Soon As Possible (ASAP) would allow DESE greater flexibility with regard to timing and restructuring when a school district becomes unaccredited.  In addition, this change in the law would provide for public engagement related to the change in governance of unaccredited schools.  Missouri PTA supports Accreditation As Soon As Possible legislation as outlined in the filed 2012 House Bill 1174 and Senate Bill 677.