MO HB1876

Establishes the A+ Schools Program within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide grants to public secondary schools committed to ensuring all students graduate, complete challenging coursework, and proceed to college or postsecondary education/employment.

Requires participating schools to establish measurable performance standards, specify competency requirements for courses, eliminate general diploma tracks, require rigorous academics for vocational students, and develop community partnership plans with business, labor, and education representatives.

Authorizes the state board of education to grant waivers from testing requirements and accreditation classifications to schools meeting program requirements for three consecutive years, with waivers voiding if schools fail to maintain standards.

Creates a process for students in unaccredited school districts to apply for and receive tuition reimbursement for community colleges and vocational/technical schools if they meet qualifications including a minimum ACT English score of 18 and were unable to attend A+ designated high schools.

Limits private vocational/technical school reimbursements to the tuition rate charged by public community colleges, requires schools to be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and designated as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and mandates annual program effectiveness evaluations to the governor and legislature.