Missouri SB 1729

SB 1729 - Currently, a school district is required to give students the opportunity to take the ACT WorkKeys assessment required for the National Career Readiness Certificate ("WorkKeys"), at no cost to the student, only if the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education directs a state-funded census administration of the ACT assessment or if the school district funds the administration of the ACT assessment. Under this act, a school district shall administer college and career readiness assessments, including a career readiness assessment that leads to a nationally recognized work readiness certificate, in a manner and frequency prescribed by the State Board of Education. Such assessments shall be administered to each student before the student graduates from high school. A career readiness assessment may include WorkKeys. A school district may offer additional college and career readiness assessments, at no cost to the student, by using funds appropriated by the General Assembly for such purpose. Additionally, each public institution of higher education may adopt and implement a policy to use a credential earned through WorkKeys as a transcribable credit toward the attainment of a postsecondary technical degree as recommended by the American Council on Education national guide. This act is identical to HB 3489 (2026). OLIVIA SHANNON