The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) recently informed all school districts of a new initiative that aims to propel Missouri's student achievement into the top 10 states by the year 2020.
DESE believes that this ambitious effort comes at a critical time in the public education system as it adapts to a changing world filled with high-skilled and high-wage jobs that require advanced-skilled and knowledgable employees. DESE states that in order for Missouri students to compete nationally and internationally, our public education system must produce a well-trained and highly-qualified workforce. It is the belief of DESE that the future of the state depends on the ability to succeed in the Top 10 by 2020 initiative.
Missouri's student performance currently ranks nationally right in the middle and the statewide average on the ACT has remained the same for over 10 years. However, DESE states that Missouri students are making gains and will continue to do so as the Top 10 by 2020 initiative progresses.
To learn more visit the Top 10 by 2020 initiative website, view the video or speak with your local public school administration. You can learn more about student achievement as a marker for career success by checking out the following books from the Springfield-Greene County Library:
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