Missouri Governor Kehoe Announces New Schools Accountability System
By : Natalie Lo
On January 13, 2026, Governor Michael Kehoe signed Executive Order 26-01. This executive order directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to create a new accountability system for schools in Missouri. The order requires the new system to include an A–F school and district grading framework. DESE must outline new guidelines for the A-F system for elementary, middle, and high schools.
The elementary and middle school grading framework must include academic achievement level, value-added growth, and growth towards proficiency. The high school grading system will be based on academic achievement level, value-added growth, Success Ready Graduate measure, and four-year graduation rate.
Currently, Missouri schools are held accountable through the Missouri School Improvement Plan (MSIP) 6. Districts and charters receive an Annual Performance Review (APR) score which determines their accreditation. Any school receiving a score above 70% is accredited. The score is calculated based on performance metrics, that make up 70% of the score, and continuous improvement metrics, which make up the other 30%.
In his executive order, Kehoe states that many families find the current accountability reports difficult to understand. He aims for the new accountability report cards to be accessible to all stakeholders. Kehoe further explains that the new system will be more transparent and reward schools with exceptional growth.
There are a few key changes in the new accountability plan and MSIP 6. The most noticeable change is that schools will be given a letter grade instead of a number. The new plan does not mention any administrative factors in the school’s grade. Executive Order 26-01, Kehoe emphasizes student and school growth as a critical component in the grading system. However, exact percentages have not been outlined, so it is unclear if growth will be weighted more than the 24% in MSIP 6.
Critics have raised concerns about stakeholders not looking past the letter grade and understanding the context. Others believe that the bill is watering down expectations for students and schools. Supporters believe that the new plan will be more transparent and universal in evaluating student progress.
DESE is required to submit a comprehensive implementation plan by June 30, 2026. This plan will be sent to the Governor and State Board of Education for approval. Missouri schools and caregivers will have more details then on how schools will be graded in the new accountability system.
Published April 2026
MORE FROM THE PRiME BLOGS
On January 13, 2026, Governor Michael Kehoe signed Executive Order 26-01. This executive order directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to create a new accountability system for schools in Missouri. The order requires the new system to include an A–F school and district grading framework. DESE must outline new guidelines for the A-F system for elementary, middle, and high schools.