JEFFERSON CITY — The Senate Education Committee has begun meeting for the new legislative session. As I continue my role as chairman of the Education Committee, it remains important to me to hold open discussion among the members of the committee, those addressing the committee during our meetings, and any interested parties on the topics of elementary, secondary and higher education.

With education as one of the Senate’s top priorities for the 2013 session, my colleagues and I heard brief presentations from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Conservation, as well as work accomplished during the interim by the Joint Committee on Education.

DESE is conducting a pilot program focusing on teacher performance, with approximately of one-third of Missouri’s school districts participating. The idea is to gather information that will be used to study how the state can adequately evaluate teachers on their efficiency and productivity instead of solely relying on test scores. The program will hopefully provide information on how to evaluate every employee, from the superintendant to the classroom teacher. This pilot program is set to conclude June 2013.

Panel members also continued a discussion regarding funding for higher education institutions throughout the Show-Me State. This funding concept was brought about by House Bill 1731, passed last session. Dr. Stacey Preis, Executive Director of the Joint Committee on Education, presented to the committee current information on creating a funding formula for higher education. After holding three public hearings around the state in Trenton, Warrensburg and Rolla, and hearing testimony and opinions from higher education officials and members of the public, the joint committee recently released a preliminary report and asked for comments. This report is available for review on the committee’s website, www.senate.mo.gov/jced. Comments have been taken through this week, and findings will hopefully be released regarding those submissions in early February.

Currently, funds appropriated for higher education have been divvied up by the same percentage year after year. Looking at a performance-based funding model, which is currently working for 12 other states, Missouri public higher education institutions would be held more accountable for the students they enroll and retain. Too often, schools receive money for the number of students enrolled in a course, yet no criteria are put in place to account for the number of students who complete that course. That is an important concept of performance-based funding, ensuring these schools are providing for and keeping students through the completion of their education, rather than letting them incur debt and not receive a degree.

Later this month, the Joint Committee on Education will meet with the Complete College of America organization to review the committee’s current higher education plan. Complete College was very instrumental in the development of legislation from last session that created the reverse transfer process and the transfer library of core college credits.

Committee members also heard a presentation regarding a special program designed to bring the outdoors into the classroom. Many schools, urban as well as rural, utilize information and assistance from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). By participating in the Discover Nature Schools program, MDC is helping to create a life-long interest in the Show-Me State’s vast natural and geological systems.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.