MO HB1609

School districts must ensure each student develops a personal plan of study by the end of seventh grade in conjunction with the student's parent or guardian.

Districts must adopt policies implementing a comprehensive guidance and counseling program with career awareness in elementary grades, career exploration in middle grades, and educational/career planning at high school level.

Personal plans must include graduation requirements, career or post-secondary goals, relevant coursework, career-related experiences, assessments, and opportunities for post-secondary exploration such as internships, dual credit, and advanced placement.

Plans shall be reviewed at least annually by school personnel and parents, covering an eight-year term or until the student reaches post-secondary goals, with implementation transferring to the student's post-secondary education or training program upon graduation.

Districts must provide counselors, teachers, and administrators with adequate resources and training, ensure sufficient time for plan development, provide access to the state's web-based educational and career planning system, and facilitate community involvement through job shadowing and internship opportunities.