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Purple Up! Day

Purple Up! Day (April 8) is an opportunity to honor military-connected students and recognize their unique experiences. Schools play an important role in providing stability, connection, and support to help these students thrive.

Click here to watch a special message from the Commissioner of Education Dr. Karla Eslinger on the importance of Purple Up!

News Release: State Board Meeting Recap

The State Board of Education approved the accredited status of educator preparation providers during its Tuesday meeting. DESE also provided updates on through-year assessments.

Click here to read the full news release regarding the State Board Meeting recap.

Click here to subscribe to DESE newsletters.

KEA Updates for 2026-27 School Year

For the 2026–27 school year, Missouri districts will continue using the Kindergarten Entry Assessment (KEA) to support school readiness. DESE will fund Kindergarten Observation Form (KOF) training for the final year, with districts required to designate a point of contact by July 31, 2026. Beginning in 2027–28, districts will assume associated costs.

Click here to read the full Administrative Memo regarding Kindergarten Entry Assessment (KEA).

2026-27 Missouri Career Development & Teacher Excellence Plan

The 2026-27 Missouri Career Development and Teacher Excellence Plan (Career Ladder Program) applications open April 1, 2026, and are due April 30, 2026.

To apply for the 2026-27 school year, each district must submit a new or revised District Career Ladder Plan that includes a current plan date, revised due dates, and a current approval date by the district's board of education.

Click here to learn more about the 2026-27 Missouri Career Development and Teacher Excellence Plan.

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.

Notice of Public Meeting | (MSIP) 6 Comprehensive Guide

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. Public comment will be accepted at the meeting or submitted in writing by April 24, 2026.

• When: 10 - 11:30 a.m. on April 10, 2026
• Where: Columbia, MO

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.

Watch 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.