In Missouri, project staff are collaborating with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to support the Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS). The system delivers professional learning through a blended model of in-person sessions in nine regions around the state supported by regional MLDS specialists. Principals in year 1 or 2 of their career are also paired with and receive guidance from a mentor. As part of this work, R12CC completed the scope of recommendations and identified the data to explore the instructional impacts of MLDS in the annual evaluation.
Additionally, R12CC gathered relevant information to inform the public-facing coherence document for school improvement and the that is being developed. The innovation waivers will enable schools to shift from standardized testing to a more personalized, competency-based learning approach. R12CC also met with regional leaders to refine the fidelity tool for school improvement planning implementation.
R12CC is supporting DESE’s efforts to develop a common formative assessment system, referred to as the Formative Assessment Builder. R12CC drafted professional learning experiences for the builder, developed a strategy for promulgating the system, and scoped out the items to be developed in the final project year. R12CC also continued to facilitate meetings for DESE which brings three offices together for this project: Office of Special Education, Office of Quality Schools, and Office of College and Career Readiness.
These activities took place during a time of transition for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, as they will onboard a new Commissioner before the summer. R12CC will continue needs sensing as we are invited to opportunities related to this transition.