 A+ Algebra I End of Course Exam Requirement
for 2021 Seniors
The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development previously issued guidance related to A+ eligibility for the senior class of 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. That previous guidance indicated that the 2021 seniors must continue to score proficient or advanced on the Algebra I End-of-Course Exam, or a higher level math EOC, or achieve a combination of high school grade point average and ACT math subscore that meets the sliding scale alternative to the EOC requirement. The guidance also indicated the department would continue to monitor the situation and would provide additional guidance as needed. Upon further review of the situation, we have decided it is appropriate to extend the Algebra I EOC waiver that was granted to the class of 2020 to the class of 2021. As a result, the 2021 seniors will not be required to meet either the Algebra I EOC requirement or its alternative to qualify for the A+ Scholarship.
When making this determination the MDHEWD took into consideration the State Board of Education’s decision to suspend the use of test results for accountability purposes. MDHEWD and DESE understand, for some students, instruction has been quite different than in prior years. Further, the lack of a remote testing option is also an important factor in this decision. In addition, we received information indicating that, while raw scores will be available later this spring, score levels (advanced, proficient, etc.) will not be set or announced until sometime in the summer. Such a delay leaves some seniors without timely information about their eligibility for the scholarship. Another factor was the continued disruption in the availability of ACT testing sites, making it difficult for students who did not meet the primary requirement to meet the alternative. Finally, we recognize that many students who are learning remotely continue to face challenges in meeting this requirement.
In addition to this MDHEWD action, legislation (House Bill 306) has been introduced that would provide COVID-19-related accommodations for the 2020 and 2021 seniors. This legislation has passed in the House and is currently being reviewed by the Senate. We are monitoring the progress of this legislation and will provide additional guidance if it is enacted. The 2021 legislative session ends May 14, 2021.
A full history of the temporary COVID-19 accommodations for the A+ Scholarship is available on MDHEWD’s website at https://dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/grants/aplusscholarship.php.
If you have any questions about the A+ Algebra I EOC requirement, please contact:
Connie Bestgen, financial aid specialist
(800) 473-6757, option 4, (573) 751-1772, or connie.bestgen@dhewd.mo.gov
Amy Haller, financial aid specialist
(573) 526-7958 or amy.haller@dhewd.mo.gov
Kelli Reed, senior associate
(573) 751-2444 or kelli.reed@dhewd.mo.gov
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