Kansas City, MO, September 15, 2026 — Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has announced a delay in the public release of the state’s new A-through-F school grading system. The release, initially anticipated sooner, will now not occur until at least mid-November. This postponement comes after school administrators across the state voiced concerns about the accuracy and underlying methodology of the proposed grading system, requesting additional time to thoroughly review the ratings before they become public knowledge.

The decision to push back the release date reflects an effort to address feedback from those directly involved in the educational system. School leaders have indicated that a more comprehensive review period is necessary to ensure the integrity and fairness of the assessments. The concerns center on the nuances of the grading system’s calculations and how they accurately reflect the performance and challenges within diverse school environments.

While the State Board of Education has approved a foundational framework for the school grading system, officials have acknowledged that further development and consultation are required. The delay allows for these necessary revisions and additional feedback sessions to take place. These sessions are intended to incorporate input from stakeholders and refine the system before its statewide implementation and public disclosure.

The A-through-F grading system is designed to provide a transparent measure of school performance, aiming to inform parents, educators, and the public. However, the current pause underscores the complexity of developing such a comprehensive evaluation tool and the importance of stakeholder buy-in. The revised timeline provides an opportunity to strengthen the system and build greater confidence in its outcomes.


Story summarized from the original created by Annelise Hanshaw on missouriindependent.com, see more information here.

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