All Missourians are eager to ensure that graduates of Missouri's public schools have the knowledge, skills and competencies essential to leading productive, fulfilling and successful lives as they continue their education, enter the workforce and assume their civic responsibilities. Schools need to establish high expectations that will challenge all students reach their maximum potential. To that end, the Outstanding Schools Act of 1993 called together master teachers, parents and policy-makers from around the state to create Missouri academic standards.
Thes standards are the work of that group.
The standards are buildt around the belief that the success of Missouri's students depends on both a solid foundation of knowledge and skills and the ability of sudents to apply their knowledge and skills to the kinds of problems and decisions they will likely encounter after they granduate. The academic standards incorporate and strongly promote the understanding that active, hands-on learning will benefit students of all ages. By integrating and applying basic knowledge and skills in practical and challenging ways across all disciplines, students experience learning tht is more engaging and motivating. Such learning stays in the mind long after the tests are over and acts as a springboard to success beyond the classroom. The standards for students are not a curriculum.