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News Release: DESE's Website Gets a Fresh, New Look

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) launched its newly redesigned website, featuring optimized navigation for easier content discovery and streamlined information, allowing for enhanced user friendliness.

Click here to read the full DESE website redesign news release.

Administrative Memo: 2026 Annual Performance Report Data Collection, Correction, Appeal and Release Schedule

The Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) Annual Performance Report (APR) provides local education agency (LEA) and building-level data for stakeholders and informs the classification of school districts. To ensure the accuracy of the APR, it is important that LEAs place an emphasis on the reporting of complete and accurate data, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) offers multiple opportunities for LEAs to clean, correct, and appeal data.

Click here to read the full Feb. 17, 2026, administrative memo addressing 2026 Annual Performance Report data collection, correction, appeal and release schedule. 

Administrative Memo: 2026-27 Success Ready Student Assessment Pilot

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USED) to participate in the Innovative Assessment Demonstration Authority (IADA) Program beginning in the 2025-26 school year. IADA allows approved state educational agencies to design and test innovative statewide assessments that maintain rigor and accountability.

Click here to read the full Feb. 18, 2026, administrative memo addressing the 2026-27 Success Ready Student Assessment Pilot. 

Elevate Your Classroom: America 250 ELA Style

Educators: Here's your chance to engage in high-impact, practical, and research-supported approaches designed to transform your classroom into a portal of ideas, critical thinking, and reading strategies while incorporating civic-focused material associated with America’s 250th anniversary.

• When: Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

• Where: Dept. of Natural Resources, 1730 E. Elm Street in Jefferson City, MO.

• Who can register: Grades K-5 educators

Click here to register for the Grades K-5 ELA Content Conference on March 5 in Jefferson City, Missouri. Registration deadline is Friday, February 27.

National FFA Week is Feb. 21-28

This week we’re proud to recognize the students who are growing more than crops — they’re growing leadership, responsibility, and real-world skills.

Through agricultural education, supervised experiences, and hands-on competitions, FFA members develop confidence, teamwork, and career readiness that lasts a lifetime.

Please join us in supporting our local FFA chapter and the future leaders of agriculture.

National Public Schools Week is Feb. 23-27

This week we celebrate National Public Schools Week — a time to recognize the teachers, support staff, families, and community partners who make public education possible every day.

Public schools open doors for every student, providing not only academic learning but also mentorship, meals, activities, and a safe place to grow.

Join us in thanking our educators and staff for their dedication, and take a moment to share your appreciation for the schools that help shape our future.