MO SB378

Repeals and re-enacts sections 160.545, 173.250, and 173.1104 relating to higher education scholarship programs for Missouri students.

Modifies A+ Schools Program to require schools eliminate general track courses, implement rigorous vocational and technical coursework standards, and establish partnership plans with business and community leaders.

Adds new academic achievement requirements for students graduating in 2016-2017 or after: proficiency or advanced scores on Algebra I and English I end-of-course assessments or qualifying scores on COMPASS/ACT exams.

Establishes Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program offering up to $3,000 per year to top three percent of Missouri ACT/SAT test-takers and up to $1,000 for top fourth and fifth percentiles.

Reduces maximum financial assistance from ten semesters to eight semesters (or from fifteen quarters to twelve quarters) for Access Missouri awards and requires 24-54-84 semester credit hour completion benchmarks for renewal eligibility beginning 2014-2015 academic year.