The Missouri Learning Standards (MLS) are crucial benchmarks designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills necessary for success after high school. These standards are carefully aligned with the Show-Me Standards, establishing clear expectations for what every Missouri high school graduate should know and be capable of doing. They serve as a roadmap for educators, students, and parents alike, ensuring everyone is working towards common goals in education.
What are the Missouri Learning Standards?
Missouri Learning Standards are the specific academic expectations defining what students should learn at each grade level and within each course. These standards go beyond basic memorization, emphasizing both foundational knowledge and higher-order skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking. By focusing on these comprehensive abilities, the Missouri Learning Standards ensure that education is relevant and prepares students for the challenges of college, further vocational training, and future careers. These standards are the latest evolution in Missouri’s commitment to high educational expectations, all rooted in the framework of the Show-Me Standards, which outline the broad competencies expected of graduating high school students in Missouri.
History and Evolution of Missouri Standards
Missouri’s dedication to setting clear educational goals began in January 1996 with the adoption of the Show-Me Standards. These initial standards provided a robust framework for evaluating student achievement across the state. To make these broad standards actionable in the classroom, Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) were developed. GLEs offered specific, grade-by-grade learning targets for teachers to follow in their instruction. Recognizing the need for continuous improvement, these GLEs were regularly updated based on valuable feedback from educators and the latest educational research. As Missouri implemented End-of-Course (EOC) assessments at the high school level, Course Level Expectations (CLEs) were created. CLEs provided teachers with objectives tailored to specific high school courses, ensuring alignment between curriculum and assessment. The Missouri Learning Standards represent the most recent iteration of these academic expectations, building upon this history of refinement and aiming for even greater clarity and effectiveness in guiding instruction.
Key Features of the Missouri Learning Standards
The Missouri Learning Standards are designed to be practical and impactful, focusing on several key features to enhance education in the state. Firstly, they prioritize real-world relevance, ensuring that what students learn in the classroom connects to their lives and future aspirations. Secondly, the standards place a strong emphasis on developing both basic and higher-order skills, including essential problem-solving and critical thinking abilities that are vital in today’s complex world. The Missouri Learning Standards serve as a clear roadmap for learning expectations, providing guidance for school administrators, teachers, parents, and students, outlining what is expected at each stage of education. Furthermore, they foster collaboration between all stakeholders – students, parents, and teachers – encouraging them to work together towards shared educational objectives, which is known to improve learning outcomes.
Curriculum vs. Standards
It is important to understand that the Missouri Learning Standards are not a curriculum. While they define what students should learn, they do not dictate how teachers should teach it. Local school districts and individual schools retain the autonomy to make their own decisions regarding curriculum development, instructional strategies, teaching materials, and textbook selection. The Missouri Learning Standards provide the framework of educational goals, while allowing flexibility and local control in how those goals are achieved in the classroom.
Missouri Learning Standards Across Subjects
The Missouri Learning Standards cover a wide range of subjects, ensuring a well-rounded education for all students. Below is a breakdown of the standards by subject area, with links to access the specific standards documents.
English Language Arts
Assessed Standards: Revised on April 19, 2016, for implementation in the 2016-2017 academic year and assessment starting in 2017-2018.
- English Language Arts – K-5: K-5 PDF | K-5 Word
- English Language Arts – 6-12: 6-12 PDF | 6-12 Word
- English Language Arts – K-12: K-12 Excel
Math
Assessed Standards: Revised on April 19, 2016, for implementation in 2016-2017 and assessment in 2017-2018.
- Mathematics – K-5: K-5 PDF | K-5 Word
- Mathematics – 6-12: 6-12 PDF | 6-12 Word
- Mathematics – K-12: K-12 Excel
Science
Assessed Standards: MAP Grade-Level and End-of-Course assessments based on these standards began with a Field Test in 2017-2018 and operational assessment in 2018-2019.
- Science – K-5: K-5 PDF
- Science – 6-12: 6-12 PDF
- Science – K-12: K-12 Excel
Social Studies
Current Standards: Approved on April 19, 2016, for implementation in 2016-2017. Assessments in Government and HS American History EOCs started with a census field test in 2018-2019 and operationally in 2019-2020.
- Social Studies – K-5: K-5 PDF | K-5 Word
- Social Studies – 6-12: 6-12 PDF | 6-12 Word
- Social Studies – K-12: K-12 Excel
Further standards and resources are available for Personal Finance, Computer Science, and Fine Arts, among other areas.
Archived Standards
For historical purposes, archived standards are available but should not be used for current instruction or assessment. These include previous versions of standards for English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Fine Arts.
Conclusion
The Missouri Learning Standards are a vital framework for education in Missouri, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their futures. By outlining clear expectations and focusing on essential skills, these standards serve as a valuable resource for educators, parents, and students, guiding the path towards academic success and post-secondary readiness.
