Members Needed for Workgroups to Create New Missouri Learning Standards

During the 2014 session, the Legislature approved House Bill 4190, which, among other provisions, establishes workgroups that will create the new Missouri Learning Standards. The measure was an effort to maintain local control in our schools and implement educational benchmarks that best fit the needs of Missouri students and prepares them for a life of success.

The nominees will be appointed by the Senate President Pro Tem, who is seeking a diverse selection to reflect the makeup of our state. Thirty two members will be appointed. Of those, 16 will be parents and 16 will be education professionals. Appointees will fill a total of eight workgroups, with specific groups for English, Science, Math and Social Students for grades K-5; and workgroups for the same subjects for grades 6-12.

Appointees may serve in more than one workgroup. In order to be considered an education professional, the nominee must be a Missouri resident for at least three years, and have taught in the workgroup’s subject area for at least 10 years or have 10 years of experience in that subject area.

I’m asking individuals in our area who meet the qualifications to please consider applying for an appointment. As these workgroups create new standards, I want to ensure the parents and teachers in our district are well represented and that citizens in the Kansas City region have a strong voice in the process.

You can find an application form at my Senate website, www.senator.mo.gov/curls or by clicking here. Potential nominees will go through a background check and may be contacted by an investigator. Workgroups are scheduled to begin meeting Oct. 1, 2014.