The following is a letter writen by the President of North Central Missouri College on November 10, 2010:

Good afternoon, I hope you have had a positive start to your week!  Please allow me a moment today to provide you with a brief update as to the status of the A+ program in Missouri.  As you are aware, Governor Nixon requested that community college officials join with a group of higher education representatives and legislators to discuss the future of A+.  As you may be aware, DESE made the decision in June, 2010 to allow high schools to “self certify”, thus figuratively opening the flood gates of new students into the program.  In July 2010 the A+ program transitioned to MDHE and DESE  subsequently reversed their decision. However,  the need for this discussion continued as to the future funding source for this scholarship program and the need to develop strategies for improving students as they prepare for college.

This group continues to meet, in fact, there was a meeting scheduled this morning.  Various strategies have been discussed which have ranged from having A+ students required to pass Algebra II, to making this a needs based scholarship program.  The Missouri Community College Association has submitted its formal response to recommended improvements to the A+ program to Dr. Nietzel, the governor’s educational advisor.  Included in our recommendations are:

To Not make the program needs based.

To continue components which build upon good discipline and community service.

To continue the GPA that is in place.

To promote working with high schools to reduce the number of students required to take Developmental courses in college

To promote rigorous plans of study unique to the various paths students may choose to take, rather than evaluating a student’s eligibility based on any one EOC test.

The leadership of the Missouri Community College Association and dedicated Missouri legislators are participating in this effort.  In addition, Governor Nixon has demonstrated his support for A+ by making this the only scholarship program that has not been cut!  The Commissioner of Higher Education, Dr. Russell has informed us that the governor intends to place a supplemental funding request into this year’s budget to support A+.  We believe this program will continue to flourish and provide the financial support to thousands of Missouri students for many years to come.

We have had questions from parents and students from our region as to their future.  Many seniors are making decisions about next year and we hope you will let them know that this important program should see some improvements and continue to provide a positive opportunity for students in our state.