MO HB232

Establishes the A+ Schools Program within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to award grants to public secondary schools meeting specific criteria for student graduation, challenging coursework, and post-secondary placement.

Requires participating schools to establish measurable performance standards, eliminate general diploma tracks, maintain rigorous coursework standards, and develop partnership plans with business, labor, parents, and educational representatives.

Extends student eligibility for tuition reimbursement at community colleges and vocational/technical schools to include students with expected family contributions at or below a level determined annually by the Missouri Department of Higher Education, in addition to existing eligibility criteria.

Schools meeting program requirements for three consecutive years receive waivers from state testing requirements under section 160.257 and state board of education classification rules to promote operational flexibility.

Requires participating school districts to designate a salaried program coordinator (with district covering at least half the cost) and provide adult literacy training services as specified by state board rules.