CEAMTEAM

Access to quality learning options and parental power over their child's education has never been more important than they are this year.

This fall families across Missouri have been involved in their children's education more than ever before. Many have seen for the first time exactly what and how their children are learning in school.

Some have been pleasantly surprised, while many others have struggled with a confusing maze of distance and hybrid learning plans cobbled together as their districts have reacted to crisis after crisis.

The good news is that EVERY Missouri student has options for other learning platforms through the Missouri Course Access and Virtual Education Program (MOCAP).

This week CEAM hosted a special Facebook Live event where we talked to a parent whose kids are thriving in a MOCAP program. Also, CEAM staff explained the virtual education enrollment process and tools we have created to help parents find the best option for their child.

At the same time, DESE and the education establishment are working to limit knowledge of and access to the MOCAP program.

Just a couple of weeks ago, a lobbyist for the Missouri School Boards' Association gave a "report" to the Fulton School Board, which resulted in a one-sided article in the Fulton Sun which bashed MOCAP on the very week that interested parents needed to select virtual education for their children for the spring semester. 

Attorney Josh Schindler responded to set the facts straight and we shared his full response on our blog here.

At the state-level, DESE staff this week proposed a rule change that could dramatically change the MOCAP program and ultimately lead to fewer options for parents. We break down the key issues this rule change could create in our blog, and will encourage you to make comments on the proposed rule change in January. 

The Missouri Board of Education also decided this week to administer state-wide testing this spring but stripped any accountability measures from the results of those tests.

Given the unusual and difficult learning situation this year, we applaud the decision but worry that it could lead to a dramatic dilution of accountability measures in the future. Learn more about our concerns here.

Finally, please don't forget that telling your personal school choice story can make a real difference in passing legislation to create an Empowerment Scholarship Account program in Missouri.

We have tried to make this as easy as possible for school choice advocates using a new app called Storyvine. 

All you have to do is register, then download it and the app will walk you through capturing your personal story on video and then "automagically" transform your statements into a professionally edited video that you can share on your social media and with your elected officials. 

Just click on the link below to get started!