Missouri lawmakers are considering a proposal to revamp the state’s school accountability system by introducing a simpler A-F grading scale to provide clearer performance indicators to parents, educators, and taxpayers. The proposal aims to highlight successful schools, identify areas needing improvement, and enhance family engagement by presenting information in a more understandable format. Advocates argue that transparent letter grades, particularly emphasizing academic growth, offer a shared signal about student progress and rebuild trust by providing straightforward information for families to collaborate with educators. The bill would establish a performance-based award program and emphasize academic growth in grading to ensure all schools have the opportunity to excel, regardless of their starting point. The ongoing debate centers on whether the proposed system oversimplifies school performance or effectively targets support based on student improvement, with supporters advocating for a shift towards clear public reporting and academic growth in Missouri’s accountability framework.