Message from Big 8 Superintendents (A–F School Grade Cards)
Dear Staff, Parents, and Communities,
In the coming days or weeks, you may see something coming out regarding letter grades for all public schools in Missouri. As superintendents of the Big 8 Conference, we believe it is important that our families, staff, and communities hear directly from us about this new system, what it means for our schools, and the concerns we share.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is developing its first pilot A-F grades for public schools, created under an executive order Governor Mike Kehoe signed in January.
-
The District receives a grade.
-
High School receives a grade.
-
Middle School receives a grade.
-
Elementary School receives a grade.
This grade is a pilot, meaning it is not final. This is the first year of a brand-new state system, based on test results from the 2024-25 school year, and the state is still finalizing how it calculates grades. We fully expect the framework to change over time, and as it does, our grade may change too. It is one measure among many. We have shared concerns with the state about how quickly this system was developed, and we will still continue to do so.
No state rating can replace what you know as a parent about your child.
You know their teachers, their classroom, and the progress they are making. Our responsibility is to work alongside you to help your child meet their educational goals and achieve the best possible outcomes. Whether it’s an A-F grade or another measure from Jefferson City, that mission does not change, and neither does our commitment to the local systems, relationships, and priorities we have built to meet the needs of our students and families.
Public schools serve every student who walks through our doors, including children with very different needs, circumstances, and starting points. That responsibility is fundamental to who we are, and it is one reason a single letter can never tell the whole story of a school or the educators who choose to serve them.
Thank you for your partnership. Our teachers and staff work every day to help each student grow, and we will keep you informed along the way.
Sincerely,
Big 8 Conference