The Missouri Learning Standards (MLS) are pivotal for instructional planning, implementation, and assessment across the state of Missouri. In this report we describe the MLS and share a summary of grade-level and course-specific learning expectations across various subject areas. We conclude with recommendations for educators and educational policy makers.

In this policy brief, we provide a brief history of Missouri’s standards and assessments and how these changes to large-scale assessment systems impact state and local decisions and funding.