Missouri State Board of Education approves new A-F school grading framework

The Missouri State Board of Education has approved a new A-F grading framework for public schools, charter schools, and districts. Following an executive order from Governor Mike Kehoe, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will implement this 100-point scale to provide parents and educators with a clearer representation of student performance.

Under the new system, grades are assigned as follows: A (89% and higher), B (76% to 88%), C (63% to 75%), D (50% to 62%), and F (below 50%). Elementary and middle school grades will be determined by academic achievement and growth in literacy, mathematics, and science. High school evaluations will incorporate graduation rates and Success-Ready Graduate measures.

DESE Deputy Commissioner Lisa Sireno noted that the framework is intended to be user-friendly for parents. While the grades are designed to help schools identify challenges and access resources, they will not impact school accreditation or funding. Additionally, any school or district that fails to test at least 95% of its students on required state assessments will receive a one-letter grade reduction.