April 8, 2021 - The Senate Education Committee, chaired by Sen. Cindy O'Laughlin, heard HB 624, a bill filed by Rep. Doug Richey on Tuesday.
Associated Industries of Missouri supported the bill which establishes the "Show Me Success Diploma Program" as an alternative pathway to graduation for high school students. Students may earn the Show Me Success Diploma beginning at the end of a student's 10th grade year. By July 1, 2022, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must develop detailed requirements for students to become eligible for the Show Me Success Diploma.
Students who earn a Show Me Success Diploma may elect to remain in high school or may instead enroll in a qualifying postsecondary educational institution. For each student enrolled in such an institution, an amount equal to 90% of the pupil's proportionate share of the state, local, and federal aid that the district or charter school receives for such pupil, shall be deposited into an account that lists the pupil as the beneficiary.
Currently, an adult high school includes on-site child care for the children of students, this bill removes the on-site requirement and specifies that an adult high school is considered a "secondary school system" in regards to providing child care. The bill also adds that a student connected online to a live class is considered in-person instruction for an adult high school student.
This bill also establishes the "Competency-Based Education Task Force" to study and develop competency-based education programs in public schools. A report would be presented to the Speaker
of the House of Representatives, the President Pro Tem of the Senate, the Joint Committee on Education, and the State Board of Education December 1st annually.
The bill was heard in Committee but no vote was taken at the meeting.