JEFFERSON CITY — One of the good things about the interim is that lawmakers get a chance to focus on long-range projects, attend meetings and explore long-term issues. Recently, I was able to attend the 2014 Education Commission of the States (ECS), a nationwide organization dedicated to improving education for students and school personnel.

Last year’s ECS meeting was held in St. Louis, while this year we gathered in Washington, D.C. The opportunity to gather with over 500 attendees is very exciting. Many guests have different ideas about the same issues, making learning from peers an important tool in policymaking.

This Education Commission of the States, a nonpartisan organization, was started in 1965 to assist educators and administrators in navigating the constantly evolving landscape of policy and curriculum. It was also established by state statute. While ECS doesn’t take sides on matters, it does provide research on important topics in order for members to make informed decisions on subjects ranging from early childhood through higher education.

This year, I had the honor of serving Missouri as a commissioner, along with St. Louis attorney Patrick Gadell and Dr. Joel Jennings of St. Louis University. Missouri Teacher of the Year, Jamie Manker, a social studies teacher in the Rockwood School District, also attended as a guest.

Important topics of discussion during the three-day event included school accountability, dual enrollment between high school and college, higher education remediation, higher education transfer policy, online education and state foundation formulas.

I look forward to events such as these. I enjoy meeting people who consider education to be of highest importance for our states’ futures. Attending these meetings helps me stay in the forefront of education policy in order to provide the best possible education for Missouri students, which will also then provide a solid future for our state.

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.