As the legislature has reconvened in Jefferson City this year, it will have many serious topics to consider; however, none are more pressing than the state's education system. The two largest districts in the state are failing. Recent statistics suggest that fewer than 40 percent of students who started ninth grade in the Kansas City public school district graduated four years later.

The problems in St. Louis and Kansas City are enormous, but don't make the mistake of assuming the state's education woes only are located in the big cities. In 2011, only 32 percent of Missouri eighth-graders scored proficient or above in math, and only 35 percent scored proficient or above in reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, known as the nation's report card. We believe there is much room for improvement.

As Missouri House Speaker Steve Tilley, R-Perryville, noted in his address to open this legislative session, "Missourians believe that all children deserve a world-class education, regardless of gender, geography, income, or race." By taking several key steps, the legislature can work to ensure that Missouri students do receive a world-class education.

• Expand charter schools outside of Kansas City and St. Louis.

Students throughout Missouri, not just the big cities, deserve educational options. Some might think that because of recent bad press, like the pending closure of several Imagine Charter Schools in St. Louis, we should rethink the role of charter schools in the state. However, it is important to note this increased transparency and accountability of charter schools has actually been a good thing. It is only because the Imagine Schools are charter schools that their poor performance and consequences have come to light.

Look at what happened: The schools will be closed. Numerous schools in St. Louis, Kansas City, and throughout the state aren't serving the needs of students and yet remain open. Failing schools should be closed — traditional public, public charter or otherwise. Charter schools provide students with options and there is no reason students throughout the state should be compelled to attend a local public school that doesn't meet their needs simply because of their address.

• Pass a scholarship tax credit program.

It is manifestly unjust that some parents in Missouri get to pick where their children attend school and others do not. People of means in Missouri are able to move to areas with better schools or pay tuition to the numerous high quality private schools in the state, but the poor and middle class are not so lucky. By allowing individuals and corporations tax breaks for donating to tuition scholarship organizations, many more students would be empowered to attend higher quality schools than are currently available. Last year, seven different states offered such programs, benefiting almost 123,000 students nationwide. These scholarships also can save Missouri money by offering scholarships that are less than the current amount spent per pupil, $9,619.

• Ensure money follows students into their classrooms.

Currently, the St. Louis Public Schools spend $15,186 per student per year. With an average class size (as reported by the state department of education) of 19 students per teacher, that means that the average class in the district brings in $288,534. The average teacher makes just a hair over $49,000 per year in salary, so the majority of the money is getting absorbed by the system before reaching the students. Why does this happen? Because, by law, money is distributed to the district, which then divides it up among the schools.

Money does not have to follow students into the schools, and it often does not. To solve this, the state Legislature should change the state funding formula to one of weighted student funding, whereby the money follows the students wherever he or she goes.

Parents and children are the consumers of education, not school districts. Therefore, parents deserve the option to choose the best education for their children. In his speech, the house speaker promised Missouri students trapped in failing schools, "You are not forgotten and we will fight each and every day here in the Missouri House to give you the kind of quality education every child deserves."

By enacting these three reforms the state Legislature can work to deliver upon that promise, not just for students in failing schools, but for all Missouri students.

 

Michael Q. McShane and James V. Shuls are doctoral fellows in the Department of Education Reform at the University of Arkansas. Both are former teachers and Missouri natives.