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.
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 high-quality public education.
Percentage of Missouri 8th graders proficient in reading
Percentage of Missouri 8th graders proficient in Math.
Missouri's national ranking in 8th grade reading proficency.
Missouri's national ranking in 8th grade math proficiency
Missouri ranks 46th nationally for average teacher pay*
*Source is National Center for Education Statistics, data from 2022
Missouri ranks 37th nationally for annual per pupil expenditures**
*Source is U.S. Census Bureau, data from 2021
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Quality Schools Coalition will Cast a New Vision For What is Possible
Quality Schools Coalition studies the challenges and successes in Missouri and other states to cast a new vision for what is possible. We are building a coalition of education partners, community advocates, and policymakers to achieve that vision:
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.
Support the Quality Education Act (QEA)
The Quality Education Act will improve how Missouri measures school success, makes information available to parents, and supports schools that are struggling.
QSC is Grateful to Collaborate With These and Other Organizations in Pursuit of Our Mission
