JEFFERSON CITY—Senator Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, is urging parents and educators in the 13th District to consider applying for the upcoming Education Standards Working Groups, which will create new learning benchmarks for Missouri beginning in October.  

During the 2014 session, the Legislature approved House Bill 1490, which, among other provisions, establishes workgroups that will create the new Missouri Learning Standards.

“These workgroups provide parents and teachers valuable input in creating new educational standards in Missouri in a thoroughly open and transparent way. As these groups work toward this goal, it’s critical that our area has a strong voice in the process,” said Sen. Walsh. “We need to establish standards that best fit our state and its students. To do that, we need the public’s help. If you are a parent or a professional educator, please consider applying.”

The nominees will be appointed by the Senate President Pro Tem, who is seeking a diverse selection to reflect the makeup of the state. Thirty two members will be appointed. Of those, 16 will be parents and 16 will be education professionals. Appointees will fill a total of eight workgroups, with specific groups for English, Science, Math and Social Students for grades K-5; and workgroups for the same subjects for grades 6-12.

Appointees may serve in more than one workgroup. In order to be considered an education professional, the nominee must be a Missouri resident for at least three years, and have taught in the workgroup’s subject area for at least 10 years or have 10 years of experience in that subject area.

To apply for the Education Standards Working Groups, click here or visit Sen. Walsh’s official Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/walsh and click on the “Education Standards Working Groups” button on the right side of the page. Potential nominees will go through a background check and may be contacted by an investigator. Workgroups are scheduled to begin meeting Oct. 1, 2014.

If you have any questions or difficulties applying online, please contact Sen. Walsh’s office at (573) 751-2420.