DESE Update: May 26, 2026

Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. sent this bulletin at 05/26/2026 03:07 PM CDT

Power of Public Education Conference 2026

Register for the 65th Annual Cooperative Conference for School Administrators

Registration is open for the 2026 Cooperative Conference for School Administrators, July 26 – 28 at Tan-Tar-A Conference Center in Osage Beach.

This year’s theme, The Power of Public Education, highlights the impact of Missouri’s schools and educators.

Administrative Memo: AMI Plan Applications Open

DESE is now accepting 2026-27 Alternative Methods of Instruction ( AMI) Plan applications. Plans for the 2026-27 school year must be submitted no later than July 31, 2026. Local education agencies (LEAs) may provide instruction through alternate means during exceptional or emergency circumstances (up to 36 hours) if the LEA implements an AMI Plan that has been approved by DESE for the 2026-27 school year.

Access the AMI Plan Application

Your Feedback = Better Tools

DESE has launched a refreshed website, and your insight is key to what comes next. Tell us what helps you get things done and where we can improve. We’re using your feedback to guide future updates.

Autism Behavior Solutions ECHO Continues This Summer

The Missouri Telehealth Network at the University of Missouri will continue its Autism Behavior Solutions in Schools & Communities ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) series this summer.

Sessions will be held virtually from 1 – 2 p.m. CT on June 1, June 15, July 20, and August 3. Participation is free.

Topics include family collaboration and communication, medical and dental visits, co-occurring mental health, and medication management.

USDA DLT Workshop Set for May 27

Education and community partners are invited to a May 27 workshop on the USDA’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program, hosted by the Southwest Missouri Council of Governments in Springfield.

USDA Rural Development staff will outline how DLT funding supports expanded access to education and healthcare in rural areas through technology, equipment, and infrastructure. Grants range from $50,000 to $750,000 with a 15% match required. The application deadline is June 30, 2026.

Enrollment Open for Leadership Academy Cohort 41

Enrollment is now open for Cohort 41 of Leadership Academy for School Principals through the Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS). Designed for administrators with at least two years of experience, the program helps principals strengthen instructional leadership, collaborate with peers, and support school improvement.

ToRCH Roadshows Across Missouri

The Department of Social Services (DSS) is bringing the Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) Care Roadshows to communities across rural Missouri this May and June.

With both in-person and virtual options available — from St. Joseph and Branson to Cape Girardeau, Kirksville, Rolla, and beyond — these events offer a valuable opportunity to connect with partners, explore resources, and engage in meaningful conversations that support stronger, more sustainable rural health systems for the future.

Update and Strengthen Access

With the federal accessibility deadline extended, schools have more time to build on existing progress — making now the right moment to update materials and ensure all new content is accessible from the start so every student can fully engage.

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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