Academic outcomes for K-12 students in Missouri are below national averages.
Missouri high school graduates need better preparation for college and careers.
Missouri’s schools see persistent achievement gaps based on race and income.
Thank You and Farewell from Quality Schools Coalition
When Quality Schools Coalition launched in December 2020, our goal was clear: ensure that every child in Missouri has access to a high-quality public education. Our work has had many positive impacts: improved public school funding, increased teacher pay, expanded preschool programming, and more public school choice.
Thanks to you, and the unwavering commitment of many other parent advocates, partner organizations, state legislators and grassroots champions of education reform, Missouri's education policy framework is greatly improved. QSC is honored to have worked alongside each one of you in these endeavors. Your dedication to Missouri's children and families has inspired us every step of the way.
Although QSC has drawn to a close, the work of strengthening educational opportunities and outcomes for all children in Missouri must continue. While significant progress has been made, many children in Missouri still lack access to a high-quality education and despite recent investments, Missouri's financial commitment to public education remains below the national average. We are heartened to know that you and many other education champions are carrying this work forward.
We are pleased to share our 2021-2024 Final Impact Report that captures the challenges and the progress we have witnessed together these past four years.
Thank you again for your support of QSC, your dedication to Missouri's children, and your belief that great things happen when we work together. It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve alongside you, and I look forward to the ongoing progress.
Our Challenge
Missouri’s policy framework for K-12 education does not create the necessary conditions for our public schools to flourish. As a result, many children in Missouri lack access to a high-quality public education.
Quality Schools Coalition Casts a New Vision For What is Possible
Define the Problem
QSC examines data, including student performance results, to understand how Missouri is doing. Key areas of concern include academic outcomes in Missouri that are below national averages, the college and career readiness of our high school graduates, and persistent achievement gaps based on race and income.
Identify Solutions
QSC studies policies and practices that improve student outcomes and proposes positive changes in Missouri based on this research. Our policy objectives include a stronger school accountability system that emphasizes student growth, fair and adequate funding for all students, and an expansion of public school choice so that all parents have a variety of high-quality options for their children.
Build a Coalition
QSC works with parents, educators, community advocates, government officials and other education stakeholders to inform ourselves and our community about the current state of public education in Missouri and pathways for improvement. Together with these allies, QSC advocates for changes in public policy that will create the conditions for all of our public schools to flourish.