Mo. Rev. Stat. ch. 170

Mo. Rev. Stat. ch. 170
in effect

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.005 Eye protection required, when.

170.005. Eye protection required, when. — Every student, teacher and visitor is required to wear an industrial quality eye protective device when participating in or observing any of the following courses in schools, colleges, universities or other educational institutions: (1) Vocational, technical, industrial arts, chemical, or chemical-physical shops or laboratories involving exposure to the following: Hot molten metals, or other molten materials; milling, sawing, turning, shaping, cutting, grinding or stamping of any solid materials; heat treatment, tempering, or kiln firing of any metal or other materials; gas or electric arc welding, or other forms of welding processes; repair or servicing of any vehicle; caustic or explosive materials; (2) Chemical, physical, or combined chemical-physical laboratories involving caustic or explosive materials, hot liquids or solids, injurious radiations or other hazards not enumerated. (L. 1976 S.B. 519 § 1)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.007 Industrial quality eye protective devices defined.

170.007. Industrial quality eye protective devices defined. — As used in sections 170.005 to 170.009 "industrial quality eye protective devices" means devices meeting the standards of the American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection, Z87.1-1968, and subsequent revisions thereof, approved by the American National Standards Institute, Inc. (L. 1976 S.B. 519 § 2)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.009 Instructions and recommendations for eye protection to be prepared by boards.

170.009. Instructions and recommendations for eye protection to be prepared by boards. — The state board of education and the coordinating board for higher education shall prepare and circulate to each public and private educational institution in this state instructions and recommendations for implementing the eye safety provisions of sections 170.005 to 170.009 . (L. 1976 S.B. 519 § 3)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.011 Courses in the constitutions, American history and Missouri government, ...

170.011. Courses in the constitutions, American history and Missouri government, required, penalty — waiver, when — student awards — requirements not applicable to foreign exchange students. — 1. Regular courses of instruction in the Constitution of the United States and of the state of Missouri and in American history and institutions shall be given in all public and private schools in the state of Missouri, except proprietary schools, and shall begin not later than the seventh grade and continue in high school to an extent determined by the state commissioner of education, and shall continue in college and university courses to an extent determined by the state commissioner of higher education. In the 1990-91 school year and each year thereafter, local school districts maintaining high schools shall comply with the provisions of this section by offering in grade nine, ten, eleven, or twelve a course of instruction in the institutions, branches and functions of the government of the state of Missouri, including local governments, and of the government of the United States, and in the electoral process. A local school district maintaining such a high school shall require that prior to the completion of the twelfth grade each pupil who receives a high school diploma or certificate of graduation on or after January 1, 1994, shall satisfactorily complete such a course of study. Such course shall be of at least one semester in length and may be two semesters in length. The department of elementary and secondary education may provide assistance in developing such a course if the district requests assistance. A school district may elect to waive the requirements of this subsection for any student who transfers from outside the state to a Missouri high school if the student can furnish documentation deemed acceptable by the school district of the student's successful completion in any year from the ninth through the twelfth grade of a course of instruction in the institutions, branches, and functions of state government, including local governments, and of the government of the United States, and in the electoral process. 2. American history courses at the elementary and secondary levels shall include in their proper time-line sequence specific referrals to the details and events of the racial equality movement that have caused major changes in United States and Missouri laws and attitudes. 3. No pupil shall receive a certificate of graduation from any public or private school other than private trade schools unless he or she has satisfactorily passed an examination on the provisions and principles of the Constitution of the United States and of the state of Missouri, and in American history, American institutions, and American civics. A school district may elect to waive the requirements of this subsection for any student who transfers from outside the state to a Missouri high school if the student can furnish documentation deemed acceptable by the school district of the student's successful completion in any year from the ninth through the twelfth grade of a course of instruction in the institutions, branches, and functions of state government, including local governments, and of the government of the United States, and in the electoral process. A student of a college or university, who, after having completed a course of instruction prescribed in this section and successfully passed an examination on the United States Constitution, and in American history and American institutions required hereby, transfers to another college or university, is not required to complete another such course or pass another such examination as a condition precedent to his graduation from the college or university. 4. In the 1990-91 school year and each year thereafter, each school district maintaining a high school may annually nominate to the state board of education a student who has demonstrated knowledge of the principles of government and citizenship through academic achievement, participation in extracurricular activities, and service to the community. Annually, the state board of education shall select fifteen students from those nominated by the local school districts and shall recognize and award them for their academic achievement, participation and service. 5. The provisions of this section shall not apply to students from foreign countries who are enrolled in public or private high schools in Missouri, if such students are foreign exchange students sponsored by a national organization recognized by the department of elementary and secondary education. (L. 1963 p. 200 § 10-1, A.L. 1987 H.B. 39, A.L. 1989 S.B. 198, A.L. 1999 S.B. 163, A.L. 2008 H.B. 1678, A.L. 2016 H.B. 1646, 2132 & 1621 merged with S.B. 638) (Source: RSMo 1959 §§ 163.200, 163.210, 163.220, 163.230, 163.240)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.012 Graduate teaching assistants communication in English language requirements ...

170.012. Graduate teaching assistants communication in English language requirements — testing and reports. — 1. Any graduate student who did not receive both his primary and secondary education in a nation or territory in which English is the primary language shall not be given a teaching appointment during his or her first semester of enrollment at any public institution of higher education in the state of Missouri. Exceptions may be granted in special cases upon approval of the chief academic and executive officers of the institution. 2. All graduate students who did not receive both their primary and secondary education in a nation or territory in which English is the primary language shall be tested for their ability to communicate orally in English in a classroom setting prior to receiving a teaching appointment. Such testing shall be made available by the public institution at no cost to the graduate student. 3. All graduate students prior to filling a teaching assistant position as a graduate student, who have not previously lived in the United States shall be given a cultural orientation to prepare them for such teaching appointment. 4. All public institutions of higher education in this state shall provide to the coordinating board for higher education on a biennial basis a report on the number and language background of all teaching assistants, including a copy of the institutions current policy for selection of graduate teaching assistants. 5. The provisions of this section and sections 174.310 and 175.021 shall not apply to any person employed under a contract of employment in existence prior to August 13, 1986. (L. 1986 S.B. 602 § 2)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.013 Missouri higher education civics achievement examination, required when - ...

170.013. Missouri higher education civics achievement examination, required when — question requirements. — 1. Any student entering a public institution of higher education for the first time after July 2019 who is pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree from such institution shall successfully pass an examination on the provisions and principles of American civics with a score of seventy percent or greater as a condition of graduation from such institution. The examination shall be known as the "Missouri Higher Education Civics Achievement Examination". 2. The examination required under this section shall consist of at least fifty questions, but shall not exceed one hundred questions, and shall be similar to the one hundred questions administered to applicants for United States citizenship by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services division of the Department of Homeland Security. Subject matter on the examination shall include the United States Constitution, the United States Bill of Rights, governmental institutions, historical manifestations of federalism, and history of constitutional interpretation and amendments. 3. The examination required under this section may be included within any other examination that is administered on the provisions and principles of the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Missouri, and on American history and American institutions, as required in subsection 3 of section 170.011 . 4. Institutions of higher education may use online testing to comply with the provisions of this section. (L. 2018 S.B. 807 & 577)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.014 Reading instruction act - reading programs established, essential components.

170.014. Reading instruction act — reading programs established, essential components. — 1. This section shall be known as the "Reading Instruction Act" and is enacted to ensure that all public schools including charter schools establish reading programs in kindergarten through grade five based in scientific research. "Evidence-based reading instruction" includes practices that have been proven effective through evaluation of the outcomes for large numbers of students and are highly likely to be effective in improving reading if implemented with fidelity. Such programs shall include the essential components of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, and all new teachers who teach reading in kindergarten through grade three shall receive adequate training in these areas. 2. (1) For purposes of this subsection, "three-cueing system" means any model of teaching students to read based on meaning, structure and syntax, and visual cues, which may also be known as "MSV" . (2) A public school district or charter school shall provide reading instruction in accordance with the following requirements: (a) Phonics instruction for decoding and encoding shall be the primary instructional strategy for teaching word reading; (b) Instruction in word reading shall not rely primarily on strategies based on the three-cueing system model of reading or visual memory; and (c) Reading instruction may include visual information and strategies that improve background and experiential knowledge, add context, and increase oral language and vocabulary to support comprehension, but such visual information and strategies shall not be used to teach word reading. 3. Every public school in the state shall offer a reading program as described in subsection 1 of this section for kindergarten through grade five. (L. 2002 H.B. 1711, A.L. 2022 S.B. 681 & 662, A.L. 2025 S.B. 68) Severability clause, see § 82.293 .

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.015 Human sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases, instruction in, ...

170.015. Human sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases, instruction in, requirements — policies, school boards' duties — certain course materials on human sexuality prohibited, when. — 1. Any course materials and instruction relating to human sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases shall be medically and factually accurate and shall: (1) Present abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice of behavior in relation to all sexual activity for unmarried pupils because it is the only method that is one hundred percent effective in preventing pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and the emotional trauma associated with adolescent sexual activity, and advise students that teenage sexual activity places them at a higher risk of dropping out of school because of the consequences of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy; (2) Stress that sexually transmitted diseases are serious, possible, health hazards of sexual activity. Pupils shall be provided with the latest medical information regarding exposure to human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), human papilloma virus, hepatitis and other sexually transmitted diseases; (3) Present students with the latest medically factual information regarding both the possible side effects and health benefits of all forms of contraception, including the success and failure rates for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases; or shall present students with information on contraceptives and pregnancy in a manner consistent with the provisions of the federal abstinence education law, 42 U.S.C. Section 710; (4) Include a discussion of the possible emotional and psychological consequences of preadolescent and adolescent sexual activity and the consequences of adolescent pregnancy, as well as the advantages of adoption, including the adoption of special needs children, and the processes involved in making an adoption plan; (5) Teach skills of conflict management, personal responsibility and positive self-esteem through discussion and role-playing at appropriate grade levels to emphasize that the pupil has the power to control personal behavior. Pupils shall be encouraged to base their actions on reasoning, self-discipline, sense of responsibility, self-control, and ethical considerations, such as respect for one's self and others. Pupils shall be taught not to make unwanted physical and verbal sexual advances or otherwise exploit another person. Pupils shall be taught to resist unwanted sexual advances and other negative peer pressure; (6) Advise pupils of the laws pertaining to their financial responsibility to children born in and out of wedlock and advise pupils of the provisions of chapter 566 pertaining to statutory rape; (7) Teach pupils about the dangers of sexual predators, including online predators when using electronic communication methods such as the internet, cell phones, text messages, chat rooms, email, and instant messaging programs. Pupils shall be taught how to behave responsibly and remain safe on the internet and the importance of having open communication with responsible adults and reporting any inappropriate situation, activity, or abuse to a responsible adult, and depending on intent and content, to local law enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's CyberTipline; (8) Teach pupils about the consequences, both personal and legal, of inappropriate text messaging, even among friends; and (9) Teach pupils about sexual harassment, sexual violence, and consent: (a) For the purposes of this subdivision, the term "consent" shall mean a freely given agreement to the conduct at issue by a competent person. An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent. Lack of verbal or physical resistance or submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating or social or sexual relationship by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the conduct at issue shall not constitute consent; (b) For the purposes of this subdivision, the term "sexual harassment" shall mean uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature especially by a person in authority toward a subordinate; (c) For the purposes of this subdivision, the term "sexual violence" shall mean causing or attempting to cause another to engage involuntarily in any sexual act by force, threat of force, duress, or without that person's consent. 2. Policies concerning referrals and parental notification regarding contraception shall be determined by local school boards or charter schools, consistent with the provisions of section 167.611 . 3. A school district or charter school which provides human sexuality instruction may separate students according to gender for instructional purposes. 4. The board of a school district or charter school shall determine the specific content of the district's or school's instruction in human sexuality, in accordance with subsections 1 to 3 of this section, and shall ensure that all instruction in human sexuality is appropriate to the age of the students receiving such instruction. 5. A school district or charter school shall notify the parent or legal guardian of each student enrolled in the district or school of: (1) The basic content of the district's or school's human sexuality instruction to be provided to the student; and (2) The parent's right to remove the student from any part of the district's or school's human sexuality instruction. 6. A school district or charter school shall make all curriculum materials used in the district's or school's human sexuality instruction available for public inspection pursuant to chapter 610 prior to the use of such materials in actual instruction. 7. No school district or charter school, or its personnel or agents, shall provide abortion services, or permit a person or entity to offer, sponsor, or furnish in any manner any course materials or instruction relating to human sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases to its students if such person or entity is a provider of abortion services. 8. As used in this section, the following terms mean: (1) "Abortion" , the same meaning as such term is defined in section 188.015 ; (2) "Abortion services" : (a) Performing, inducing, or assisting in the performance or inducing of an abortion which is not necessary to save the life of the mother; (b) Encouraging a patient to have an abortion or referring a patient for an abortion, which is not necessary to save the life of the mother; or (c) Developing or dispensing drugs, chemicals, or devices intended to be used to induce an abortion which is not necessary to save the life of the mother. (L. 1999 S.B. 163, A.L. 2007 H.B. 1055, A.L. 2015 H.B. 501, A.L. 2018 H.B. 1606)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.017 Agriculture or career and technical course may be substituted for certain ...

170.017. Agriculture or career and technical course may be substituted for certain units required for high school graduation, exception. — The department of elementary and secondary education shall, by July 1, 2015, develop a high school graduation policy that allows a student to fulfill one unit of academic credit with a district-approved agriculture or career and technical education course for any communication arts, mathematics, science, or social studies unit required for high school graduation in any combination up to fulfilling one requirement in each of the four subject areas. The substitution may not be made where the course for which the agriculture or career and technical education course is being substituted requires an end-of-course statewide assessment. The credit cannot be substituted for any course which requires a statewide end-of-course assessment. The policy required under this section shall be in addition to the optional waiver of one unit of academic credit for a three-unit career and technical program of studies. (L. 2014 H.B. 1189)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.018 Computer science, academic credit for math, science, or practical arts - ...

170.018. Computer science, academic credit for math, science, or practical arts — work group — endorsement on teacher certificate — fund, grants — computer science course, requirements — rulemaking authority. — 1. (1) For purposes of this section, "computer science course" means a course in which students study computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, hardware and software designs, implementation, and impact on society. The term shall include, but not be limited to, a stand-alone course at any elementary, middle, or high school or a course at any elementary or middle school that embeds computer science content within other subjects. (2) The department of elementary and secondary education shall, before July 1, 2019, develop a high school graduation policy that allows a student to fulfill one unit of academic credit with a district-approved computer science course meeting the standards of subsection 2 of this section for any mathematics, science, or practical arts unit required for high school graduation. The policy shall require that all students have either taken all courses that require end-of-course examinations for math and science or are on track to take all courses that require end-of-course examinations for math and science under the Missouri school improvement program in order to receive credit toward high school graduation under this subsection. (3) A school district shall communicate to students electing to use a computer science course for a mathematics unit that some institutions of higher education may require four units of academic credit in mathematics for college admission. The parent, guardian, or legal custodian of each student who chooses to take a computer science course to fulfill a unit of academic credit in mathematics shall sign and submit to the school district a document containing a statement acknowledging that taking a computer science course to fulfill a unit of academic credit in mathematics may have an adverse effect on college admission decisions. (4) The department of elementary and secondary education and the department of higher education and workforce development shall cooperate in developing and implementing academic requirements for computer science courses offered in any grade or grades not lower than the ninth nor higher than the twelfth grade. 2. (1) The department of elementary and secondary education shall convene a work group to develop and recommend rigorous academic performance standards relating to computer science for students in kindergarten and in each grade not higher than the twelfth grade. The work group shall include, but not be limited to, educators providing instruction in kindergarten or in any grade not higher than the twelfth grade and representatives from the department of elementary and secondary education, the department of higher education and workforce development, business and industry, and institutions of higher education. The department of elementary and secondary education shall develop written curriculum frameworks relating to computer science that may be used by school districts. The requirements of section 160.514 shall not apply to this section. (2) The state board of education shall adopt and implement academic performance standards relating to computer science beginning in the 2019-20 school year. 3. Before July 1, 2019, the department of elementary and secondary education shall develop a procedure by which any teacher who holds a certificate of license to teach under section 168.021 and demonstrates sufficient content knowledge of computer science shall receive a special endorsement on the teacher's license signifying the teacher's specialized knowledge in computer science. 4. (1) For purposes of this subsection, "eligible entity" means: (a) A local educational agency, or a consortium of local educational agencies, in the state, including charter schools that have declared themselves local educational agencies; (b) An institution of higher education in the state; or (c) A nonprofit or private provider of nationally recognized and high-quality computer science professional development, as determined by the department of elementary and secondary education. (2) There is hereby created in the state treasury the "Computer Science Education Fund". The fund shall consist of all moneys that may be appropriated to it by the general assembly and any gifts, contributions, grants, or bequests received from private or other sources for the purpose of providing teacher professional development programs relating to computer science. The state treasurer shall be custodian of the fund. In accordance with sections 30.170 and 30.180 , the state treasurer may approve disbursements. The fund shall be a dedicated fund and, upon appropriation, moneys in the fund shall be used solely for the administration of grants to eligible entities as described in this section. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 33.080 to the contrary, any moneys remaining in the fund at the end of the biennium shall not revert to the credit of the general revenue fund. The state treasurer shall invest moneys in the fund in the same manner as other funds are invested. Any interest and moneys earned on such investments shall be credited to the fund. (3) The state board of education shall award grants from the computer science education fund to eligible entities for the purpose of providing teacher professional development programs relating to computer science. An eligible entity wishing to receive such a grant shall submit an application to the department of elementary and secondary education addressing how the entity plans to: (a) Reach new and existing teachers with little computer science background; (b) Use effective practices for professional development; (c) Focus the training on the conceptual foundations of computer science; (d) Reach and support historically underrepresented students in computer science; (e) Provide teachers with concrete experience with hands-on, inquiry-based practices; and (f) Accommodate the particular needs of students and teachers in each district and school. 5. (1) For all school years beginning on or after July 1, 2023, each public high school and charter high school shall offer at least one computer science course in an in-person setting or as a virtual or distance course option. (2) Any computer science course or instruction offered under this subsection shall: (a) Be of high quality as defined by the state board of education; (b) Meet or exceed the computer science performance standards developed and adopted by the department of elementary and secondary education under this section; and (c) For any computer science course offered by a public high school or charter high school, be offered in such school's course catalog. (3) On or before June thirtieth of each school year, each school district shall submit to the department of elementary and secondary education a report for the current school year which shall include, but not be limited to: (a) The names and course codes of computer science courses offered in each school in the district with a course description and which computer science performance standards are covered, to the extent such information is available; (b) The number and percentage of students who enrolled in each computer science course, listed by the categories in subparagraphs a. to f. of this paragraph. If a category contains one to five students or contains a quantity of students that would allow the quantity of another category that contains five or fewer to be deduced , the number shall be replaced with a symbol: a. Sex; b. Race and ethnicity; c. Special education status including, but not limited to, students receiving services under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (20 U.S.C. Section 1400 et seq., as amended) or Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Section 794), as amended; d. English language learner status; e. Eligibility for free or reduced price meals; and f. Grade level; and (c) The number of computer science instructors at each school, listed by the following categories: a. Applicable certifications; b. Sex; c. Race and ethnicity; and d. Highest academic degree. (4) On or before September thirtieth of each school year, the department of elementary and secondary education shall post the following on the department's website: (a) Data received under paragraphs (a) and (b) of subdivision (3) of this subsection, disaggregated by school and aggregated statewide; and (b) Data received under paragraph (c) of subdivision (3) of this subsection, aggregated statewide. (5) On or before June thirtieth of each school year, the department of elementary and secondary education shall publish a list of computer science course codes and names with a course description and an indication of which courses meet or exceed the department of elementary and secondary education's computer science performance standards. 6. The department of elementary and secondary education shall appoint a computer science supervisor. The computer science supervisor shall be responsible for implementing the provisions of this section. 7. For all school years beginning on or after July 1, 2023, a computer science course successfully completed and counted toward state graduation requirements shall be equivalent to one science course or one practical arts credit for the purpose of satisfying any admission requirements of any public institution of higher education in this state. 8. The department of elementary and secondary education shall promulgate rules to implement the provisions of this section. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010 , that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536 and, if applicable, section 536.028 . This section and chapter 536 are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536 to review, to delay the effective date, or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after December 18, 2018, shall be invalid and void. (L. 2018 1st Ex. Sess. H.B. 3, A.L. 2022 S.B. 681 & 662 merged with S.B. 718)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.020 Social and emotional health education, voluntary pilot project.

170.020. Social and emotional health education, voluntary pilot project. — 1. (1) The department of elementary and secondary education, through its school counseling section, shall be authorized to establish a voluntary pilot program, beginning in the 2020-21 school year, to provide for social and emotional health education in elementary schools in the state. The purpose of the pilot program shall be to determine whether and how to implement an elementary social and emotional health education program statewide. (2) The department, through its employees who work in the school counseling section, is authorized to select from among applications submitted by the public elementary schools a minimum of sixteen public elementary schools for participation in the pilot program. If fewer than sixteen schools apply for participation in the program, the department shall select as many eligible schools possible for partnership in the pilot program. The department shall develop an application process for public elementary schools to apply to participate in the pilot program. The local school board for each elementary school selected to be in the pilot program shall agree to implement and fully fund an elementary social and emotional health program in such school and to continue to provide such elementary social and emotional health education program for a period no shorter than three years. The local school district may employ a social and emotional health teacher to provide such program for the elementary school. (3) The department, through its employees who work in the school counseling section, and local school districts shall collaborate to establish the instructional model for each elementary social and emotional health education program. Such instructional model shall be grade-appropriate and include instruction in an organized classroom, including instruction on how to set and achieve positive goals, how to utilize coping strategies to handle stress, and shall have an increased emphasis on protective factors, such as problem-solving skills, social support and social connectedness through positive relationships and teamwork. (4) The department, through its school counseling section, shall provide for a program evaluation regarding the success and impact of the pilot program upon completion of the third year of the pilot program and shall report the results of such evaluation to the relevant house and senate committees on health and mental health, and education. 2. The department shall maintain an adequate number of full-time employees, certified in social and emotional health education and distributed regionally throughout the state, to provide accountability for program delivery of social and emotional health education, to continue to develop and maintain pertinent social and emotional health education instructional model and standards, to assist local school districts on matters related to social and emotional health education, and to coordinate regional and statewide activities supporting K-12 social and emotional health education programming. 3. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require public elementary schools to participate in the pilot program. (L. 2019 H.B. 604)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.028 Industry certifications, professional licenses, and occupational competency ...

170.028. Industry certifications, professional licenses, and occupational competency assessments — council to have list, use of — department duties. — 1. For purposes of this section, the following terms mean: (1) "Council" , the career and technical education advisory council established under section 178.550 ; (2) "Industry certification" , a full certification from a recognized industry, trade, or professional association validating essential skills of a particular occupation, which may include, but shall not be limited to: (a) Any certification related to a high-demand occupation as described by the Missouri economic research and information center (MERIC); and (b) Perkins Technical Skills Assessment; (3) "Occupational competency assessment" , a national standardized assessment of skills and knowledge in a specific career or technical area, which may include, but shall not be limited to, assessments offered by the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI). 2. The council shall annually review, update, approve, and recommend a list of industry certifications, state-issued professional licenses, and occupational competency assessments. 3. A school district may use the list described under subsection 2 of this section as a resource in establishing programs of study that meet the district's regional workforce needs under section 170.029 . 4. The department of elementary and secondary education shall identify any provider of a course that: (1) Includes a Perkins Technical Skills Assessment that leads to an industry-recognized credential that meets requirements related to college and career readiness under the Missouri school improvement program; and (2) Is recommended for college credit by a nationally recognized body that provides course equivalency information to facilitate decisions on the awarding of course credit. 5. (1) At least annually, the department of elementary and secondary education shall provide the council with a list of all course providers identified under subsection 4 of this section. The council may recommend to the department of elementary and secondary education that agreements described under subdivision (2) of this subsection be entered into with one or more course providers identified in the list. (2) The department of elementary and secondary education may enter into an agreement with a course provider recommended by the council that governs the conditions under which school districts and local educational agencies contract with the course provider. (3) Any school district or local educational agency may contract with a course provider recommended by the council to design or deliver career and technical education programs described under section 170.029 . (L. 2018 H.B. 1415)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.029 Career and technical education (CTE) plan - CTE certificates, minimum ...

170.029. Career and technical education (CTE) plan — CTE certificates, minimum requirements — curriculum — work groups — recognition of program — rulemaking authority. — 1. The state board of education shall develop a statewide plan for career and technical education (CTE) that ensures sustainability, viability, and relevance by matching workforce needs with appropriate educational resources. 2. The state board of education, in consultation with the career and technical education advisory council as established in section 178.550 , shall establish minimum requirements for a CTE certificate that a student can earn in addition to the student's high school graduation diploma. Students entering high school in school year 2017-18 and thereafter shall be eligible to earn a CTE certificate. 3. The statewide plan shall establish CTE requirements intended to provide students with the necessary technical employability skills to be prepared for an entry-level career in a technical field or additional training in a technical field. The provisions of this section shall not be considered a means for tracking students in order to impel students to particular vocational, career, or college paths. The state board of education shall work with local school districts to ensure that tracking does not occur. For purposes of this section, "tracking" means separating pupils by academic ability into groups for all subjects or certain classes and curriculum. 4. Each local school district shall determine the curriculum, programs of study, and course offerings based on the needs and interests of the students in the district and meeting the requirements of the statewide plan. As required by Missouri's state plan for career education and the Missouri school improvement program, the state board of education shall work in cooperation with individual school districts to stipulate the minimum number of CTE offerings. Each local school district shall strive to offer programs of study that are economically feasible for students in the district. In establishing CTE offerings, the district may rely on standards, technical coursework, and skills assessments developed for industry-recognized certificates or credentials. 5. To enable school districts to offer CTE programs of study that are current with business and industry standards, the department of elementary and secondary education shall convene work groups from each program area to develop and recommend rigorous and relevant performance standards or course competencies for each program of study. The work groups shall include, but not be limited to, educators providing instruction in each CTE program area, advisors from each CTE program area from the department of elementary and secondary education, the department of higher education and workforce development, business and industry, and institutions of higher education. The department of elementary and secondary education shall develop written model curriculum frameworks relating to CTE program areas that may be used by school districts. The requirements of section 160.514 shall not apply to this section. 6. No later than January 1, 2017, the department of elementary and secondary education shall develop a process for recognition of a school district's career and technical education program that offers a career and technical education certificate. 7. The department of elementary and secondary education shall promulgate all necessary rules and regulations for the administration of this section. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010 , that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536 and, if applicable, section 536.028 . This section and chapter 536 are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536 to review, to delay the effective date, or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2016, shall be invalid and void. (L. 2016 S.B. 620 & 582, A.L. 2021 H.B. 297)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.031 Physiology texts to contain chapter on dental hygiene - penalty.

170.031. Physiology texts to contain chapter on dental hygiene — penalty. — One or more chapters on dental hygiene is required in all textbooks on physiology used in the public schools of the state of Missouri. The chapters shall convey the proper knowledge to the pupil on the care, function and relation of the teeth to the general health. Such chapters in the textbooks shall be edited or approved by a competent committee composed of five members, three of whom are selected by the state dental society, one by the director of the department of social services, and one by the state board of education, and they shall serve without compensation. The sale or offer for sale of any textbook which does not contain the chapter on dental hygiene required by this section is a misdemeanor. (L. 1963 p. 200 § 10-3) (Source: RSMo 1959 §§ 163.180, 163.190)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.036 Computer science education task force, members, mission - summary - task ...

170.036. Computer science education task force, members, mission — summary — task force to dissolve, when. — 1. There is hereby established the "Computer Science Education Task Force" within the department of elementary and secondary education. 2. The task force shall consist of the following members: (1) Two members of the house of representatives, with one member to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and one member to be appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives; (2) Two members of the senate, with one member to be appointed by the president pro tempore of the senate and one member to be appointed by the minority leader of the senate; (3) The governor or the governor's designee; (4) The commissioner of education or the commissioner's designee; (5) The commissioner of higher education or the commissioner's designee; and (6) Nine members who represent the interests of each of the following groups, to be appointed by the commissioner of education: (a) The state board of education; (b) Private industry in this state with interest in computer science; (c) Nonprofit organizations; (d) An association of school superintendents; (e) A statewide association representing computer science teachers; (f) A secondary teacher leader from career and technical education representing computer science teachers; (g) An association of school board members; (h) An association of elementary school principals; and (i) An association of secondary school principals; (7) A representative from a Missouri institution of higher education, to be appointed by the commissioner of higher education; and (8) A representative from a Missouri private, nonprofit institution of higher education, to be appointed by the commissioner of higher education. 3. The mission of the computer science education task force shall be to develop a state strategic plan for expanding a statewide computer science education program, including the following: (1) A statement of purpose that describes the objectives or goals the state board of education will accomplish by implementing a computer science education program, the strategies by which those goals will be achieved, and a timeline for achieving those goals; (2) A summary of the current state landscape for K-12 computer science education, including demographic reporting of students taking these courses; (3) A plan for expanding computer science education opportunities to every school in the state within five years and increasing the representation of students from traditionally underserved groups, in computer science including female students, students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, students with disabilities, English-language learner students, students who qualify for free and reduced price meals, and rural students; (4) Within one year of the task force forming, a plan for schools serving any student in grades kindergarten through eighth grade to provide instruction in the basics of computer science and computation thinking in an integrated or standalone format beginning in the 2024-25 school year without creating learning loss in the existing curriculum; (5) A plan for ensuring teachers are well-prepared to begin teaching computer science, including defining high quality professional learning for in-service teachers and strategies for preservice teacher preparation; (6) A plan for ensuring teachers are well prepared to begin teaching computer science, including defining high-quality professional learning for in-service teachers and strategies for preservice teacher preparation; (7) An ongoing evaluation process that is overseen by the state board of education; (8) Proposed rules that incorporate the principles of the master plan into the state's public education system as a whole; and (9) A plan to ensure long-term sustainability for computer science education. 4. The speaker of the house of representatives shall designate the chair of the task force, and the president pro tempore of the senate shall designate the vice chair of the task force. 5. Members of the task force shall serve without compensation, but the members and any staff assigned to the task force shall receive reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in attending meetings of the task force or any subcommittee thereof. All task force members shall be subject to the same conflict of interest provisions in chapter 105 that are enforced by the Missouri ethics commission in the same manner that elected or appointed officials and employees are subject to such provisions. 6. The task force shall hold its first meeting within three months from August 28, 2022. 7. Before June 30, 2023, the task force shall present a summary of its activities and any recommendations for legislation to the general assembly. 8. The computer science education task force shall dissolve on June 30, 2024. (L. 2022 S.B. 681 & 662 merged with S.B. 718)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.037 Adoption of service-learning programs and projects encouraged - state board ...

170.037. Adoption of service-learning programs and projects encouraged — state board of education to provide assistance, when. — 1. The state board of education shall encourage the adoption of service-learning programs and projects among school districts. As used in this section, the term "service-learning programs and projects" means a student-centered, research-based method of teaching and learning which engages students of all ages in solving problems and addressing issues in their school or greater community as part of the academic curriculum. As a result, service-learning fosters academic achievement, civic engagement, and character development. 2. Upon request of any school district that elects to implement service-learning programs or projects, the state board of education shall provide any assistance needed to districts in locating, leveraging, and utilizing alternative financial resources that will assist teachers desiring to receive training in developing and administering service-learning programs or projects. 3. Any local board of education that maintains a high school may include service-learning as part of any course contributing to the satisfaction of credits necessary for high school graduation and provide support for the use of service-learning as an instructional strategy at any grade level to address appropriate areas of current state educational standards for student knowledge and performance. (L. 2004 S.B. 945 and S.B. 803 & 1257)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.041 Physical education supplies and equipment - certain districts may raise ...

170.041. Physical education supplies and equipment — certain districts may raise funds for. — The board of each seven-director school district which employs thirty or more teachers and also employs a supervisor of physical education or supervisor of health under section 168.171 may raise and expend funds to carry out the purpose of that section and for the purchase of books, printed matter, apparatus, including weighing scales, instruments and other necessary appliances and supplies as are designated by the commissioner of education. (L. 1963 p. 200 § 10-4) (Source: RSMo 1959 § 163.280)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.045 Trauma-informed developmentally appropriate sexual abuse training, ...

170.045. Trauma-informed developmentally appropriate sexual abuse training, requirements — rulemaking authority. — 1. In school year 2020-21 and in each school year thereafter, each school district shall provide trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate sexual abuse training to students in all grades not lower than sixth grade. School districts must include in the training the following: (1) Instruction providing students with the knowledge and tools to recognize sexual abuse; (2) Instruction providing students with the knowledge and tools to report an incident of sexual abuse; (3) Actions that a student who is a victim of sexual abuse could take to obtain assistance and intervention; and (4) Available resources for students affected by sexual abuse. 2. The department of elementary and secondary education shall provide guidance and training materials school districts may use to comply with the provisions of this section. The training materials shall be developed in consultation with the task force on the prevention of sexual abuse of children as established in section 210.1200 . 3. The school district shall notify parents or guardians in advance of the training required under this section, of the content of the instruction, and the parent's * or guardian's right to have the student excused from the instruction. Upon written request of the parent or guardian of a student, the student shall be excused from instruction. 4. The department of elementary and secondary education may promulgate rules to implement the provisions of this section. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010 , that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536 and, if applicable, section 536.028 . This section and chapter 536 are nonseverable, and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536 to review, to delay the effective date, or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2019, shall be invalid and void. (L. 2019 H.B. 604) *Word "parent" appears in original rolls.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.046 School-based nonviolent conflict resolution program materials - ...

170.046. School-based nonviolent conflict resolution program materials — development, content, availability. — 1. The department of health and senior services shall, in consultation with the department of elementary and secondary education, develop program materials for use by school districts in this state, to be known as "School-Based Nonviolent Conflict Resolution", which shall emphasize: (1) Nonviolence in conflict resolution; and (2) Moral and ethical decision making. 2. The program material developed pursuant to this section may be presented by school districts at least once each school year in grades kindergarten through grade twelve. Such program material shall be made available to all schools including private and parochial schools and the general public. Students shall receive no academic credit for the program developed pursuant to this section. (L. 1995 H.B. 174, et al. § 7)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.047 Youth suicide awareness and prevention, training for educators - guidelines ...

170.047. Youth suicide awareness and prevention, training for educators — guidelines — rulemaking authority. — 1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Jason Flatt/Avery Reine Cantor Act". 2. (1) Beginning in the 2017-18 school year and continuing until the end of the 2022-23 school year, any licensed educator may annually complete up to two hours of training or professional development in youth suicide awareness and prevention as part of the professional development hours required for state board of education certification. (2) Beginning in the 2023-24 school year and continuing in subsequent school years, the practicing teacher assistance programs established under section 168.400 may offer and include at least two hours of in-service training provided by each local school district for all practicing teachers in such district regarding suicide prevention. Each school year, all teachers, principals, and licensed educators in each district may attend such training or complete training on suicide prevention through self-review of suicide prevention materials. Attendance at the training shall count as two contact hours of professional development under section 168.021 and shall count as two hours of any other such training required under this section. 3. The department of elementary and secondary education shall develop guidelines suitable for training or professional development in youth suicide awareness and prevention. The department may develop materials that may be used for the training described under subsection 2 of this section or may offer districts materials developed by a third party that districts may use for the training. 4. For purposes of this section, the term "licensed educator" shall refer to any teacher with a certificate of license to teach issued by the state board of education or any other educator or administrator required to maintain a professional license issued by the state board of education. 5. The department of elementary and secondary education may promulgate rules and regulations to implement this section. 6. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010 , that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536 and, if applicable, section 536.028 . This section and chapter 536 are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536 to review, to delay the effective date, or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2016, shall be invalid and void. (L. 2016 H.B. 1583 merged with H.B. 2379, A.L. 2022 S.B. 681 & 662)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.048 Youth suicide awareness and prevention policy, requirements - model policy, ...

170.048. Youth suicide awareness and prevention policy, requirements — model policy, feedback — pupil ID cards, items to be printed on. — 1. By July 1, 2018, each district shall adopt a policy for youth suicide awareness and prevention, including plans for how the district will provide for the training and education of its district employees. 2. Each district's policy shall address and include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Strategies that can help identify students who are at possible risk of suicide; (2) Strategies and protocols for helping students at possible risk of suicide; and (3) Protocols for responding to a suicide death. 3. By July 1, 2017, the department of elementary and secondary education shall develop a model policy that districts may adopt. When developing the model policy, the department shall cooperate, consult with, and seek input from organizations that have expertise in youth suicide awareness and prevention. By July 1, 2021, and at least every three years thereafter, the department shall request information and seek feedback from districts on their experience with the policy for youth suicide awareness and prevention. The department shall review this information and may use it to adapt the department's model policy. The department shall post any information on its website that it has received from districts that it deems relevant. The department shall not post any confidential information or any information that personally identifies any student or school employee. 4. (1) Beginning July 1, 2025, a public school or charter school that serves any pupils in grades seven to twelve and that issues pupil identification cards shall have printed on either side of the cards: (a) The three-digit dialing code that directs calls and routes text messages to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988; and (b) The nonemergency telephone number of the local police department; and (c) May have printed on either side of the cards: a. The six-digit dialing code that routes text messages to the Crisis Text Line, 741741; and b. The telephone number of a local suicide prevention hotline, if such hotline is available. (2) If, on July 1, 2025, a public school or charter school subject to the requirements of this subsection has a supply of unissued pupil identification cards that do not comply with the requirements of subdivision (1) of this subsection, the school shall issue those cards until that supply is depleted. (3) Subdivision (1) of this subsection shall apply to a pupil identification card issued for the first time to a pupil and to a card issued to replace a damaged or lost card. (L. 2016 H.B. 1583 merged with H.B. 2379, A.L. 2022 S.B. 681 & 662, A.L. 2024 S.B. 727)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.049 Veterans Day observance in schools.

170.049. Veterans Day observance in schools. — The board of each school district shall require each school in such district to conduct educational programs and activities and devote a period of time at least equal to one class period leading up to an observance that conveys the meaning and significance of Veterans Day. Such observance shall take place on or as close as possible to Veterans Day. The board, in consultation with the administrators of each school in the district, shall determine the activities which will constitute the required observance. (L. 2003 S.B. 325, A.L. 2014 S.B. 600)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.051 Textbook defined - school board to provide free textbooks in public schools ...

170.051. Textbook defined — school board to provide free textbooks in public schools — funds to be used. — 1. As used in this section, the term "textbook" means workbooks, manuals, or other books, whether bound or in loose-leaf form, intended for use as a principal source of study material for a given class or group of students, a copy of which is expected to be available for the individual use of each pupil in such class or group. 2. Each public school board shall purchase and loan free all textbooks for all children who are enrolled in grades kindergarten through twelve in the public schools of the district, and may purchase textbooks and instructional materials for prekindergarten students. 3. Each school board shall purchase from the incidental fund of the district all the new or used textbooks for all the pupils in all grades and preschool programs of the public schools of the district. The board may also expend incidental fund moneys to provide supplementary texts, library and reference books, contractual educational television services, and any other instructional supplies for all the pupils of the public schools of the district. All books purchased from district funds are the property of the district but shall be furnished, under rules and regulations prescribed by the school board, to the pupils without charge, except for abuse or willful destruction. (L. 1963 p. 200 § 10-5, A.L. 1972 S.B. 638, A.L. 1977 S.B. 74, A.L. 1990 S.B. 740, A.L. 1995 S.B. 269, A.L. 2005 S.B. 287, A.L. 2018 S.B. 975 & 1024 Revision) (Source: RSMo 1959 §§ 170.200 , 170.220 )

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.057 Incidental fund moneys may be used for books, supplies and educational ...

170.057. Incidental fund moneys may be used for books, supplies and educational television. — The school board of any school district may expend either textbook fund moneys or incidental fund moneys to provide supplementary texts, library reference books, instructional supplies and contractual educational television services for the pupils of the district's elementary and secondary schools. (L. 1977 H.B. 130)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.121 Publisher to designate secretary of state as agent for service of process.

170.121. Publisher to designate secretary of state as agent for service of process. — Any person, firm or corporation furnishing textbooks to any district under the provisions of this law shall designate the secretary of state of the state of Missouri as its or their agent upon whom citation and all other writs and processes may be served in the event any suit is brought against the person, firm or corporation. (L. 1963 p. 200 § 10-12) (Source: RSMo 1959 § 170.210)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.132 Preference given to educational materials available in Braille or ...

170.132. Preference given to educational materials available in Braille or electronic format, public schools. — All public elementary, secondary and postsecondary schools shall preferentially procure educational materials, including textbooks and collateral materials, from vendors who make the materials available in either Braille format or electronic format which is computer-readable in a form approved by the department of elementary and secondary education, or both, at no greater cost than for regular materials. (L. 1999 H.B. 401)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.135 Captioning of electronic video instructional materials - definitions - ...

170.135. Captioning of electronic video instructional materials — definitions — failure to comply, civil penalty. — 1. As used in this section, the following terms mean: (1) "Captions" , when the audio portion of video programming is displayed as text superimposed over the video; (2) "Closed captions" , captions that may be turned on or off by the viewer; (3) "Electronic video instructional materials" , materials designed, marketed, and sold for use in the instructional programs of educational institutions in Missouri, including but not limited to materials on videotape, CD-ROM, digital video disc (DVD), and film; (4) "Open captions" , captions that are always viewable and cannot be turned on and off by the viewer. 2. Beginning January 1, 2008, every publisher or manufacturer of electronic video instructional materials offered for adoption or sale in the state shall supply such materials with open captions or closed captions, except for the following: (1) Video products or portions of video products for which the publisher does not have the rights to add captions; and (2) Video products or portions of video products for which the user does not receive a physical copy of the product, but rather the product is otherwise broadcast into the instructional environment through television programming, teleconferences, and/or products distributed over the internet or world wide web. 3. If the publisher or manufacturer fails to comply with the requirements of this section, the publisher or manufacturer shall be liable to the entity that purchased the electronic video instructional materials in the amount of three times the amount paid by the purchasing entity to have captions placed on the materials. 4. In order to ensure the effective implementation of subsection 3 of this section, a liability claim may be made on behalf of the purchasing entity by either the individual purchaser; a school, school district, college, or university that employs the individual purchaser; the Missouri department of elementary and secondary education; or the Missouri department of higher education and workforce development. (L. 2007 H.B. 181)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.171 Board member accepting bribe - penalty.

170.171. Board member accepting bribe — penalty. — Any member of any school board who accepts or receives any money, gift or any property, or favor whatsoever, from any person, firm or corporation selling or offering for sale any textbooks, or any agent thereof, or from any person in any way interested in the sale of textbooks, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months, or by both the fine and imprisonment. (L. 1963 p. 200 § 10-17) (Source: RSMo 1959 § 170.270)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.201 Boards may accept gifts for libraries - investment (seven-director districts).

170.201. Boards may accept gifts for libraries — investment (seven-director districts). — The board of any seven-director district may accept and receive gifts and devises for the erection and endowment of libraries and for the purchase of books, and may invest the endowment fund upon the same security and in the same manner as required by Section 7, Article IX, of the Constitution of Missouri. (L. 1963 p. 200 § 10-20) (Source: RSMo 1959 § 165.367)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.211 Public library - powers of board in urban districts.

170.211. Public library — powers of board in urban districts. — 1. The school board of any urban school district may establish and maintain a library and free reading room for the use of the school district, and may appropriate such sums as the board deems proper for the support of the library and reading room. 2. The school board may in the name of the school district accept, hold, invest and reinvest, use and disburse any donations, bequests or devises made to it for the benefit of the library or for library purposes in accordance with the terms of the donation, bequest or devise. (L. 1963 p. 200 § 10-21) (Source: RSMo 1959 §§ 165.537, 165.733)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.221 Art gallery and museum - powers of board in urban districts.

170.221. Art gallery and museum — powers of board in urban districts. — The board of any urban district may receive and accept gifts, donations and bequests of paintings, engravings, etchings, statuary and other works of art, curios, historical relics, collections of minerals and other articles proper to a museum for use in connection with the public schools, and may appropriate the sums necessary to properly care for, preserve and exhibit the same. The board may also receive gifts and bequests of money and other property for use, and use the same in increasing, preserving, maintaining and caring for the art and museum collections; and for that purpose may purchase sites and erect proper buildings for art and museum collections. Whenever the board files a verified statement with the county clerk, signed by the board or a majority of its members, certifying that, in its or their opinion, the art and museum collections are of the value of not less than twenty-five thousand dollars, then the board may submit to the voters of the school district a proposition to vote bonds for the purpose of erecting an art gallery and museum building for the proper keeping and maintaining of the art and museum collections, which proposition shall be submitted to the voters of the school districts under all the terms and conditions of sections 164.131 , 164.151 and 164.161 . (L. 1963 p. 200 § 10-22) (Source: RSMo 1959 § 165.537)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.225 Rules, procedure.

170.225. Rules, procedure. — No rule or portion of a rule promulgated under the authority of this chapter shall become effective unless it has been promulgated pursuant to the provisions of section 536.024 . (L. 1977 H.B. 130 § 1 as that number appears for the second time in H.B. 130, A.L. 1981 S.B. 200, A.L. 1995 S.B. 3)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.231 Inspection by the public of instructional material, research and ...

170.231. Inspection by the public of instructional material, research and experimentation programs or projects. — The school board of each school district shall provide that all public school instructional material intended for use in connection with any public school classroom instruction, or any public school research or experimentation program or project, shall be available for inspection by any person. For the purpose of this section, "classroom instruction" shall mean any public school instruction involving teachers and students or peers and students; "research or experimentation program or project" shall mean any public school research or experimentation program or project designed to explore or develop new and unproven teaching methods and techniques. (L. 1983 H.B. 815 § 162.021)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.260 Motivated students program, requirements.

170.260. Motivated students program, requirements. — Each school in each school district, as defined in section 160.010 , which offers more than one classroom section of a regular instruction class or program, may offer at least one section of such class or program which shall be designated as motivated. Only students who apply for entrance into the motivated section and complete and sign a motivated contract, established by resolution of the school board of the district, shall be eligible for admission into a class or program designated as motivated. The contract shall include, at a minimum: (1) A commitment to do all required homework except when extenuating circumstances prevent; (2) A commitment to be respectful to teachers and other students at all times; (3) Provision for probationary status upon the first violation of the contract by the student; and (4) Provision for transfer to a regular class or program upon the third violation of the contract within a school year by the student. (L. 1996 H.B. 1301 & 1298)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.300 Phonics instruction pilot project.

170.300. Phonics instruction pilot project. — Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, beginning with the 1999-2000 school year, there is hereby established within each subdistrict of each metropolitan school district, a pilot project of explicit phonics instruction for students up to and including third grade. This project shall employ the methodology of teaching public school students to pronounce and read words by learning the phonetic sound associations of individual letters, letter groups and syllables and the principles governing these associations. Reading instruction using implied recognition of words or partial words through the use of pictures or other references other than explicit pronunciation of phonetic letter combinations shall not be admitted as a substitute or in combination with explicit phonics instruction. (L. 1999 H.B. 889 § 8)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.305 Supplemental educational services, equipment and educational materials not ...

170.305. Supplemental educational services, equipment and educational materials not deemed an incentive for certification purposes. — Any and all equipment and educational materials necessary for successful participation in supplemental educational services programming shall not be deemed an incentive for the purposes of compliance with department of elementary and secondary education rules and regulations for supplemental educational services provider certification. The department of elementary and secondary education shall not prohibit providers of supplemental and educational services from allowing students to retain instructional equipment, including computers, used by them upon successful completion of supplemental and educational services. (L. 2009 S.B. 291 § 170.400)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.307 Mental health awareness training and instruction required - rules.

170.307. Mental health awareness training and instruction required — rules. — 1. For school year 2022-23 and each school year thereafter, upon graduation from high school, pupils in public schools and charter schools shall have received mental health awareness training given any time during a pupil's four years of high school. 2. Beginning in school year 2022-23, any public school or charter school serving grades nine through twelve shall provide enrolled students instruction in mental health awareness. Students with disabilities may participate to the extent appropriate as determined by the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Instruction shall be included in the district's existing health or physical education curriculum. Instruction shall be based on a program established by the department of elementary and secondary education. 3. The department of elementary and secondary education shall promulgate rules to develop a model curriculum to be used by school districts to provide the instruction required by this section. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010 , that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536 and, if applicable, section 536.028 . This section and chapter 536 are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536 to review, to delay the effective date, or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2022, shall be invalid and void. (L. 2022 S.B. 681 & 662)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.310 Cardiopulmonary resuscitation instruction and training, grades nine through ...

170.310. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation instruction and training, grades nine through twelve, requirements — rulemaking authority. — 1. For school year 2017-18 and each school year thereafter, upon graduation from high school, pupils in public schools and charter schools shall have received thirty minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation instruction and training in the proper performance of the Heimlich maneuver or other first aid for choking given any time during a pupil's four years of high school. 2. Beginning in school year 2017-18, any public school or charter school serving grades nine through twelve shall provide enrolled students instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Students with disabilities may participate to the extent appropriate as determined by the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act . Instruction shall be included in the district's existing health or physical education curriculum. Instruction shall be based on a program established by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross, or through a nationally recognized program based on the most current national evidence-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines, and psychomotor skills development shall be incorporated into the instruction. For purposes of this section, "psychomotor skills" means the use of hands-on practicing and skills testing to support cognitive learning. 3. The teacher of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation course or unit shall not be required to be a certified trainer of cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the instruction is not designed to result in certification of students. Instruction that is designed to result in certification being earned shall be required to be taught by an authorized cardiopulmonary instructor. Schools may develop agreements with any local chapter of a voluntary organization of first responders to provide the required hands-on practice and skills testing. For purposes of this subsection, "first responders" shall include telecommunicator first responders as defined in section 650.320 . 4. The department of elementary and secondary education may promulgate rules to implement this section. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010 , that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536 and, if applicable, section 536.028 . This section and chapter 536 are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536 to review, to delay the effective date, or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2012, shall be invalid and void. (L. 2012 S.B. 599, A.L. 2016 S.B. 635 merged with S.B. 638 merged with S.B. 711, A.L. 2023 S.B. 24 merged with S.B. 186) CROSS REFERENCE: Lifesaving training and CPR, program authorized, 167.624

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.311 Organ, eye, and tissue donation, instruction on, when - students may opt ...

170.311. Organ, eye, and tissue donation, instruction on, when — students may opt out of instruction, when. — 1. If a state or nationally recognized program or organization that provides unbiased information on organ, eye, and tissue donation requests to present information on organ, eye, and tissue donation to a school board or a governing board of a charter school, the school board or governing board shall allow a presentation to be given, and shall allot no less than thirty minutes for the presentation. School boards and governing boards shall then consider the information presented and make a decision on whether to present such information to students and parents in the district or charter school and the manner in which such information shall be presented. 2. No student shall be required to participate in any instruction relating to information about organ, eye, and tissue donation if the student has any sincerely held religious or emotional belief which is contrary to such instruction. (L. 2018 H.B. 2129)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.312 Safe place for newborns act, instruction on, requirements.

170.312. Safe place for newborns act, instruction on, requirements. — 1. A school district or charter school may provide annually to high school students enrolled in health education at least thirty minutes of age- and grade-appropriate classroom instruction relative to the safe place for newborns act of 2002 under section 210.950 , which provides a mechanism whereby any parent may relinquish the care of an infant to the state in safety and anonymity and without fear of prosecution under certain specified conditions. 2. A school district or charter school that elects to offer such information pursuant to this section shall include the following: (1) An explanation that relinquishment of an infant means to give over possession or control of the infant to other specified persons as provided by law with the settled intent to forego all parental responsibilities; (2) The process to be followed by a parent in making a relinquishment; (3) The general locations where an infant may be left in the care of certain people; (4) The available options if a parent is unable to travel to a designated emergency care facility; and (5) The process by which a relinquishing parent may reclaim parental rights to the infant and the time lines for taking this action. (L. 2013 S.B. 256 § 1)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.315 Active shooter and intruder response training for schools program ...

170.315. Active shooter and intruder response training for schools program established, purpose — components, training — mandatory drill to be conducted. — 1. (1) There is hereby established the "Active Shooter and Intruder Response Training for Schools Program (ASIRT)". (2) For each school year ending before July 1, 2027, each school district and charter school shall include in its teacher and school employee training a component on how to properly respond to students who provide them with information about a threatening situation and how to address situations in which there is a potentially dangerous or armed intruder in the school. Training shall also include information and techniques on how to address situations where an active shooter is present in the school or on school property. (3) For the 2026-27 school year and all subsequent school years, each school district and charter school shall include in its teacher and school employee training components on: (a) How to properly respond to students who provide a teacher or school employee with information about a threatening situation; (b) How to address situations in which there is a potentially dangerous or armed intruder in the school; (c) Information and techniques on how to address situations where an active shooter is present in the school or on school property; (d) How to identify potential threats or safety hazards; and (e) Protocols for emergencies in the school including, but not limited to: a. Evacuations; b. Severe weather; c. Earthquakes; d. Fire; and e. Medical. 2. For the 2026-27 school year and all subsequent school years, each school district and charter school that elects to provide such training shall conduct the training on an annual basis. The length of training shall be determined by the school district or charter school electing to provide such training. 3. All school employees may participate in a simulated active shooter and intruder response drill conducted and led by law enforcement professionals or school safety professionals. Each drill shall include an explanation of its purpose and a safety briefing. 4. All instructors for the program shall be certified by the department of public safety's peace officers standards training commission. 5. School districts and charter schools may consult and collaborate with law enforcement authorities, emergency response agencies, and other organizations and entities trained to deal with active shooters or potentially dangerous or armed intruders. 6. Public schools shall actively foster an environment in which students feel comfortable sharing information they have regarding a potentially threatening or dangerous situation with a responsible adult. As part of each public school's efforts to actively foster such environment, each public school shall annually provide age-appropriate information and training on the Missouri state highway patrol's Courage2ReportMO (C2R) reporting mechanism or its successor reporting mechanism. 7. For the 2026-27 school year and all subsequent school years, each school district and charter school shall hold an age-appropriate active shooter exercise in which students, teachers, and other school employees participate in and practice the procedures for safety and protection to be implemented under such conditions. (L. 2013 S.B. 75, A.L. 2025 S.B. 68, A.L. 2026 H.B. 1866)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.340 Books of religious nature may be used, when.

170.340. Books of religious nature may be used, when. — Books of a religious nature may be used in the classroom as part of instruction in elective courses in literature and history, as long as such books are not used in a manner so as to violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. (L. 2013 S.B. 17)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.341 Hebrew Scriptures and the Bible, offering of elective social studies ...

170.341. Hebrew Scriptures and the Bible, offering of elective social studies courses related to — purpose — requirements. — 1. Any school district or public charter school may offer students elective social studies courses relating, but not limited to, the following: (1) The Hebrew Scriptures, the Old Testament of the Bible; (2) The New Testament of the Bible; or (3) The Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament of the Bible. 2. The purpose of a course under this section is to: (1) Teach students knowledge of biblical content, characters, poetry, and narratives that are prerequisites to understanding contemporary society and culture, including literature, art, music, mores, oratory, and public policy; and (2) Familiarize students with, as applicable: (a) The contents of the Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament; (b) The history of the Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament; (c) The literary style and structure of the Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament; and (d) The influence of the Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament on law, history, government, literature, art, music, customs, morals, values, and culture. 3. A student shall not be required to use a specific translation as the sole text of the Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament and may use as the basic textbook a different translation of the Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament from that chosen by the school district or public charter school. 4. A course offered under this section shall follow applicable law and all federal and state guidelines in maintaining religious neutrality and accommodating the diverse religious views, traditions, and perspectives of students in the school. A course offered under this section shall not endorse, favor, or promote, or disfavor or show hostility toward, any particular religion or nonreligious faith or religious perspective. 5. School districts and public charter schools, in complying with this section, shall not violate any provision of the Constitution of the United States or federal law, the Constitution of Missouri or any state law, or any administrative regulations of the department of elementary and secondary education or the United States Department of Education. (L. 2023 S.B. 34)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.345 Missouri civics education initiative - examination required - waiver, when.

170.345. Missouri civics education initiative — examination required — waiver, when. — 1. This section shall be known as the "Missouri Civics Education Initiative". 2. Any student entering the ninth grade after July 1, 2017, who is attending any public, charter, or private school, except private trade schools, as a condition of high school graduation shall pass an examination on the provisions and principles of American civics. 3. The examination shall consist of one hundred questions similar to the one hundred questions used by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that are administered to applicants for United States citizenship. 4. The examination required under this section may be included in any other examination that is administered on the provisions and principles of the Constitution of the United States and of the state of Missouri, and in American history and American institutions, as required in subsection 3 of section 170.011 . 5. School districts may use any online test to comply with the provisions of this section. 6. Each school district shall adopt a policy to permit the waiver of the requirements of this section for any student with a disability if recommended by the student's IEP committee. For purposes of this subsection, "IEP" means individualized education program. (L. 2016 H.B. 1646, 2132 & 1621 merged with S.B. 638)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 170.350 Constitution Project of the Missouri Supreme Court, participation in, effect of.

170.350. Constitution Project of the Missouri Supreme Court, participation in, effect of. — A school district may develop a policy that allows student participation in the Constitution Project of the Missouri Supreme Court to be recognized by: (1) The granting of credit for some portion of, or in collaboration with: (a) Inclusion in the student's record of good citizenship as required by the A+ tuition reimbursement program under section 160.545 ; or (b) The Missouri and United States Constitution course required under section 170.011 ; or (c) Any relevant course or instructional unit in American government or a similar subject; or (2) District or school-level awards including, but not limited to, certificates or assemblies. (L. 2016 H.B. 1646, 2132 & 1621 merged with S.B. 638)
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=170Fetched: 10/17/2026