Mo. Rev. Stat. § 162.1115 – Career and technical education programs, districts not penalized under school improvement program, when — revision of scoring

1. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no district shall be penalized for any reason under the Missouri school improvement program if students who graduate from the district complete career and technical education programs approved by the department of elementary and secondary education but are not placed in occupations directly related to their training within six months of graduating.
2. The department of elementary and secondary education shall revise its scoring guide under the Missouri school improvement program to provide additional points to districts that create and enter into a partnership with area career centers, comprehensive high schools, industry, and business to develop and implement a pathway for students to:
1. (1) Enroll in a program of career and technical education while in high school;
2. (2) Participate and complete an internship or apprenticeship during their final year of high school; and
3. (3) Obtain the industry certification or credentials applicable to their program or career and technical education and internship or apprenticeship.
3. Each school district shall be authorized to create and enter into a partnership with area career centers, comprehensive high schools, industry, and business to develop and implement a pathway for students to:
1. (1) Enroll in a program of career and technical education while in high school;
2. (2) Participate and complete an internship or apprenticeship during their final year of high school; and
3. (3) Obtain the industry certification or credentials applicable to their program or career and technical education and internship or apprenticeship.
4. The department of elementary and secondary education shall permit student scores, that are from a nationally recognized examination that demonstrates achievement of workplace employability skills, to count towards credit for college and career readiness standards on the Missouri school improvement program or any subsequent school accreditation or improvement program.

(L. 2014 S.B. 701 § 1)