A+ Program Manual

2022 A+ Algebra I EOC Requirement Status Update (From Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development)

In a January 26, 2022 message, the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development notified the A+ community of a two-step plan to address concerns with the A+ Algebra I end-of-course exam requirement and its alternatives. The first step of that plan called for an emergency administrative rule amendment to exempt the 2022 high school seniors from this requirement. The second step of the plan was to gauge the level of support for permanent elimination of the requirement. This message provides an update on both steps.

The first step is almost complete. Effective March 3, 2022, the senior class of 2022 will not be required to meet either the Algebra I EOC requirement or its alternative. This includes 2022 seniors that graduated early. The Coordinating Board for Higher Education approved the emergency rule change at its Feb. 15, 2022 meeting. MDHEWD then followed through on that approval by filing the emergency rule with the Secretary of State on Feb. 16, 2022. As a result of that filing, the emergency change exempting the 2022 seniors will become effective March 3, 2022 and will expire at the end of August 2022. The emergency rule amendment is available on the Secretary of State’s website and will be published in the April 1, 2022 Missouri Register.

As to the second step, MDHEWD has received some feedback indicating more input is needed in order to determine the disposition of this requirement. We understand the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has created for the 2023 and 2024 seniors to meet this requirement and remain committed to exploring solutions to provide those classes with relief. More information will be provided as events unfold.

The department will continue to issue guidance when necessary as this situation unfolds. If you have any questions, please contact the following staff:

Connie Bestgen, financial aid specialist

(800) 473-6757, option 4, (573) 751-1722, or connie.bestgen@dhewd.mo.gov

Amy Haller, financial aid specialist

(573) 526-7958 or amy.haller@dhewd.mo.gov

Kelli Reed, senior associate

(573) 751-2444 or kelli.reed@dhewd.mo.gov