Missouri School Climate Policy

 

There are 518 school districts in Missouri that service 2,406 K-12 public schools. K-12 student enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year was 859,332. About 61% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches. While Missouri does not have an explicit school climate survey policy, the state has several policies covering the different aspects of school climate. Those policies include bullying prevention, emergency preparedness plans, suicide awareness/prevention, school improvement programs, parent involvement, and a special education guarantee. There is a policy that states that a school district may designate a teacher or administrator to be a school protection officer and carry a concealed firearm in any school in that district. Missouri also has a policy that provides trauma-informed developmentally appropriate sexual abuse training to students no lower than 6th grade; there is also a “Trauma-Informed Schools Initiative” that emphasizes trauma-informed approaches. A pilot program for social-emotional health in elementary schools began during the 2020-2021 school year. 

Safety

There is currently no policy surrounding School Climate in Missouri. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

Missouri Revised Statutes 160.775 Antibullying policy required- definition-content, requirements.

Defines the terms bullying and cyberbullying, and the behaviors associated with these actions.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-160/section-160-775/

 Missouri asks schools to develop and implement procedures to prevent bullying and harassment behavior and the consequences of such behavior. Policies also explain that procedures are needed for reporting an incidence of bullying and investigating it as well as how this policy will be communicated.

  • Missouri Revised Statutes 160.775 Antibullying policy required- definition-content, requirements.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-160/section-160-775/

 Missouri Code of State Regulations 5 CSR 20-100.255. Missouri School Improvement Program-5 Resource and Process Standards and Indicators.

Violence-prevention instruction, including information on preventing and responding to illegal harassment and bullying, has been provided for all students and staff.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/missouri/title-5/division-20/chapter-100/5-csr-20-100-255/

Missouri anti-bullying laws do not cover off-campus conduct but the laws do state that any school district shall have jurisdiction to prohibit cyberbullying that originates on a school’s campus or at a district activity if the electronic communication was made using the school’s technological resources if there is a sufficient nexus to the educational environment, or if the electronic communication was made on the school’s campus or at a district activity using the student’s technological resources

  • Missouri Revised Statutes 160.775 Antibullying policy required- definition-content, requirements.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-160/section-160-775/

Who does this protect? Students, Teachers

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Missouri schools need to develop plans for dealing with emergencies.

  • Missouri Revised Statutes 160.480 Emergency preparedness plans – school boards may adopt, the use of facilities and resources.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-160/section-160-480/

  • Missouri Revised Statutes 160.457. School districts may elect to adopt certain provisions of the earthquake emergency program.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-160/section-160-457/

  • Missouri Revised Statutes 160.451. An earthquake emergency system is to be established for certain school districts.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-160/section-160-451/

  • Missouri Revised Statutes 160.455. Distribute to each student certain materials on earthquake safety duties of the school district.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-160/section-160-455/

Missouri Revised Statutes 170.315 Active shooter and intruder response training for schools program established purpose – mandatory drill to be conducted.

All school personnel shall participate in a simulated active shooter and intruder response drill conducted and led by law enforcement professionals. Each drill may include an explanation of its purpose and a safety briefing. The training shall require each participant to know and understand how to respond in the event of an actual emergency on school property or at a school event

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-170/section-170-315/

 Missouri Revised Statutes 160.665 School protection officers, teachers, or administrators may be designated as — authorized to carry concealed firearms — requirements — public hearing to be held, when.

Any school district within the state may designate one or more elementary or secondary school teachers or administrators as school protection officers. Any person designated by a school district as a school protection officer shall be authorized to carry concealed firearms or a self-defense spray device in any school in the district

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-160/section-160-665/

Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Missouri Revised Statutes 160.775 Antibullying policy required- definition-content, requirements.

The administration of the school district shall instruct its school counselors, school social workers, licensed social workers, mental health professionals, and school psychologists to educate students who are victims of bullying on techniques for students to overcome bullying’s negative effects.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-160/section-160-775/

Missouri Revised Statutes 170.020. Social and emotional health education, a voluntary pilot project.

The department of elementary and secondary education, through its school counseling section, shall be authorized to establish a voluntary pilot program, beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, to provide for social and emotional health education in elementary schools in the state.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-170/section-170-020/

 Missouri Code of State Regulations 5 20-100.255 Missouri School Improvement Program-5 Resource and Process Standard and Indicators.

A written process is in place for the early identification and implementation of differentiated learning and behavioral supports for all students. 

https://regulations.justia.com/states/missouri/title-5/division-20/chapter-100/5-csr-20-100-255/

 Missouri Revised Statutes 170.048 Youth suicide awareness and prevention policy requirements – model policy feedback.

Each district shall adopt a policy for youth suicide awareness and prevention, including plans for how the district will provide for the training and education of its district employees.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-170/section-170-048/

Missouri Revised Statutes 170.045. Trauma-informed developmentally appropriate sexual abuse training, requirements — rulemaking authority. Each school district shall provide trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate sexual abuse training to students in all grades not lower than sixth grade.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-170/section-170-047/

Missouri Revised Statutes 161.1050. An initiative established department duties — definitions.

There is hereby established within the department of elementary and secondary education the “Trauma-Informed Schools Initiative”. Defines trauma-informed approach and trauma-informed school and says states what will be done to achieve this.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-161/section-161-1050/

Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Teaching/Learning

Missouri provides students with disabilities the accommodations and resources they need to have an appropriate education.

    • 5 CSR 20-300.110. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part B.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/missouri/title-5/division-20/chapter-300/5-csr-20-300-110/

  • 5 CSR 20-300.120. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C

https://regulations.justia.com/states/missouri/title-5/division-20/chapter-300/5-csr-20-300-120/

  • Missouri Revised Statutes 162.700. Special educational services, required, when — diagnostic reports, how obtained — evaluations of private school students with disabilities — special services, ages three and four — remedial reading program, how funded.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-162/section-162-700/

  • Missouri Revised Statutes 162.720. For gifted children, a district may establish programs for — the state board to approve — review decisions — immunity from liability, and when.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-162/section-162-720/

Who does this protect? Students, Students with disabilities

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Missouri Revised Statutes 170.037. Adoption of service-learning programs and projects encouraged — state board of education to provide assistance, when.

Provides a definition of service learning and explains why it’s beneficial for students in the long-term.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-170/section-170-037/

Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Interpersonal Relationships

 

There is currently no policy surrounding Respect and Diversity in Missouri. For more information on school, climate please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

Missouri Revised Statutes 160.775 Antibullying policy required- definition-content, requirements.

Describes training needed for school employees and volunteers who have significant contact with students in the requirements of the anti-bullying policy.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-160/section-160-775/

Missouri Revised Statutes 168.450. Officer training, Missouri state training center to develop curriculum and certification requirements. 

At a minimum, school resource officers must complete forty hours of basic school resource officer training including legal operations within an educational environment, intruder training and planning, juvenile law, and any other relevant topics relating to the job and functions of a school resource officer.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2020/title-xi/chapter-168/section-168-450/

Missouri Revised Statutes 170.048 Youth suicide awareness and prevention policy requirements – model policy feedback.

Each district shall adopt a policy for youth suicide awareness and prevention, including plans for how the district will provide for the training and education of its district employees.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-170/section-170-048/

Missouri Revised Statutes 170.047 Youth suicide awareness and prevention, training for educators — guidelines — rulemaking authority. any licensed educator may annually complete up to two hours of training or professional development in youth suicide awareness and prevention as part of the professional development hours required for state board of education certification.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-170/section-170-047/

Missouri Revised Statutes 161.1050. An initiative established department duties — definitions.

Offers training on the trauma-informed approach to all school districts, which shall include information on how schools can become trauma-informed schools.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-170/section-170-047/

Who does this protect? Staff, Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Missouri Revised Statutes 160.775 Antibullying policy required- definition-content, requirements.

The administration of the school district shall instruct its school counselors, school social workers, licensed social workers, mental health professionals, and school psychologists to educate students who are victims of bullying on techniques for students to overcome bullying’s negative effects.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-160/section-160-775/

 Missouri Revised Statutes 170.020. Social and emotional health education, a voluntary pilot project.

The department of elementary and secondary education, through its school counseling section, shall be authorized to establish a voluntary pilot program, beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, to provide for social and emotional health education in elementary schools in the state.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-170/section-170-020/

Missouri Code of State Regulations 5 20-100.255 Missouri School Improvement Program-5 Resource and Process Standard and Indicators.

A written process is in place for the early identification and implementation of differentiated learning and behavioral supports for all students.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/missouri/title-5/division-20/chapter-100/5-csr-20-100-255/

Missouri Revised Statutes 170.048 Youth suicide awareness and prevention policy requirements – model policy feedback.

Each district shall adopt a policy for youth suicide awareness and prevention, including plans for how the district will provide for the training and education of its district employees.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2020/title-xi/chapter-170/section-170-048/index.html

Missouri Revised Statutes 170.045. Trauma-informed developmentally appropriate sexual abuse training, requirements — rulemaking authority.

Each school district shall provide trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate sexual abuse training to students in all grades not lower than sixth grade.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-170/section-170-047/

Missouri Revised Statutes 161.1050. An initiative established department duties — definitions.

There is hereby established within the department of elementary and secondary education the “Trauma-Informed Schools Initiative”. Defines trauma-informed approach and trauma-informed school and says states what will be done to achieve this.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-161/section-161-1050/

Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Institutional Environments

Missouri Code of State Regulations 5 20-100.255 Missouri School Improvement Program-5 Resource and Process Standard and Indicators. 

  • The local board of education, district leadership, and staff collaborate with families and community members who represent diverse interests and needs to mobilize community resources that improve teaching and learning:
    • The district provides opportunities for parents/guardians to learn about the intellectual and developmental needs of their children of all ages and to participate constructively in their children’s education.

    https://regulations.justia.com/states/missouri/title-5/division-20/chapter-100/5-csr-20-100-255/

    Missouri Revised Statutes 167.700 Involvement of parents and families state board and school districts to adopt policies.

The board of education of each school district shall adopt policies that encourage effective parental and family involvement in their children’s education. These policies will be developed in consultation with the state board, educational personnel, local associations, organizations of parents whose children are enrolled in public schools, and in collaboration with individual parents and legal guardians whose children are enrolled in public schools of the school district.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2020/title-xi/chapter-167/section-167-700/index.html

Missouri Revised Statutes 9.139. Parent and Family Involvement in Education Week is to be designated for, the second week of September.

A week dedicated to activities that will bring about increased awareness of the importance and benefits of parent and family involvement in education and encourage greater involvement of parents and families in their children’s education, both in the school and in the home.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2020/title-ii/chapter-9/section-9-139/

 

Who does this protect? Students, Parents

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Missouri schools need to develop plans for dealing with emergencies.

  • Missouri Revised Statutes 160.480 Emergency preparedness plans – school boards may adopt, the use of facilities and resources.

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-160/section-160-480/

  • Missouri Revised Statutes 160.457. School districts may elect to adopt certain provisions of the earthquake emergency program

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-160/section-160-457/

  • Missouri Revised Statutes 160.451. Earthquake emergency system to be established for certain school districts

https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-160/section-160-451/

    • Missouri Revised Statutes 160.455. Distribute to each student certain materials on earthquake safety duties of the school district.

    https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-160/section-160-455/

    Missouri Revised Statutes 160.665 School protection officers, teachers, or administrators may be designated as — authorized to carry concealed firearms — requirements — public hearing to be held, when.

    Any school district within the state may designate one or more elementary or secondary school teachers or administrators as school protection officers. Any person designated by a school district as a school protection officer shall be authorized to carry concealed firearms or a self-defense spray device in any school in the district.

    https://law.justia.com/codes/missouri/2021/title-xi/chapter-160/section-160-665/

Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

 

There is no current policy surrounding Social Inclusion in the state of Missouri. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

Social Media

 

There is currently no policy surrounding Social Media in the state of Missouri. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

There is currently no policy surrounding Leadership in Missouri. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School

There is currently no policy surrounding Professional Relationships in Missouri. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School

Sources include: nasbe.org and childtrends.org