DESE Update: April 7, 2026

Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. sent this bulletin at 04/07/2026 02:58 PM CDT

Summer School 2026: Apply by June 3

The 2026 Summer School Handbook is now available to support Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in planning high-quality summer learning opportunities. To receive funding, LEAs must submit the Summer School Application in Core Data by June 3, 2026, with attendance data reported in the August MOSIS cycle (due August 15).

Click here for the full Administrative Memo regarding the 2026 Summer School Handbook.

Central Service Area Regional Council Meeting Set for April 22

The Central Service Area Regional Council Meeting will be held virtually from 12:30 – 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22.

The aviation industry is rapidly expanding, creating new pathways to high-demand careers. Education leaders are invited to explore opportunities for future Aviation Maintenance Technicians and gain insights to increase student awareness of these careers.

When: 12:30 p.m. on April 22, 2026
Click here to attend the Central Service Area Regional Council meeting virtually on April 22.

Training Available to Support Middle, High School Readers

As reading demands grow in middle and high school, Aspire® training helps educators support student success. Through DESE’s Read, Lead, Exceed initiative, more than 900 Missouri educators have already participated at no cost this year.

Registration is open for grades 6 – 9 educators for the 2026 – 27 school year. Enrollment closes June 15.

Click here to register for the Aspire Training.

News Release: Missouri Task Force Considers Recommendations for State Funding Formula

The Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force (Task Force) met Monday to continue its work under Executive Order 25-14, focusing on updating the state’s K-12 school funding model.

Click here for the full news release regarding the Task Force update.

You’re Invited: OOC Planning Sessions

Join DESE for upcoming Office of Childhood (OOC) Planning Sessions — your voice matters as we shape the future of early childhood initiatives across Missouri.

Virtual and in-person sessions continue through April 28, and can be registered for here.

Reminder: (MSIP) 6 Comprehensive Guide Public Meeting on April 10

DESE will hold a public meeting from 10 – 11:30 a.m. on April 10, 2026, in Columbia to review proposed updates to the MSIP 6 Comprehensive Guide for the 2026 APR and district classification.

When: 10 – 11:30 a.m. on April 10, 2026
Where: 221 North Stadium Boulevard, Columbia, Missouri

Click here for the full MSIP 6 Comprehensive Guide.

DESE Streamlines Certification Support with New Call Center Schedule

DESE is updating Educator Certification Call Center hours effective April 15, 2026. The call center will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with email support available Monday through Friday.

Click here for the full Administrative Memo regarding the Educator Certification Call Center schedule update.

Click here for the video outlining updated Educator Certification Call Center hours, effective April 15, 2026.

Cyber Corner: Stop • Think • Verify

Phishing in 2026 is smarter than ever — AI-powered scams now look polished and convincing, often mimicking trusted contacts. Before you act:

Stop: Pause before responding.
Think: Watch for urgency, odd requests, or unusual links.
Verify: Confirm through a trusted source Be cautious of unexpected texts or emails — don’t click suspicious links or open unknown attachments.

Stay protected: Use multi-factor authentication, report suspicious messages, and trust your instincts.

Click here for more cybersecurity resources.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability, or any other basis prohibited by statute in its programs and activities. Inquiries related to department programs and to the location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible by persons with disabilities may be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Director of Civil Rights Compliance and MOA Coordinator (Title VI/Title VII/Title IX/504/ADA/ADAAA/Age Act/GINA/USDA Title VI), 7th Floor, 205 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480; telephone number 573-522-1775 or TTY 800-735-2966; fax number 573-522-4883; email civilrights@dese.mo.gov.

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