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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Henderson

SB 1729 establishes statewide standards for college and career readiness assessments to improve alignment between K-12 education and post-secondary success in Missouri.

Second Read and Referred S Education Committee

Legislative bill overview

SB 1729 establishes new provisions governing how colleges and career readiness assessments are administered and utilized in Missouri schools. The bill sets standards for assessment selection, implementation, and use of results in educational planning. It aims to ensure assessments align with college and workforce preparation goals.

Why is this important

College and career readiness assessments significantly influence student course placement, academic planning, and post-secondary outcomes. These standards affect how schools allocate resources, which students receive advanced opportunities, and whether assessments accurately predict student success in higher education or the workforce.

Potential points of contention

Assessment bias concerns: Standardized assessments may not equally measure readiness across different demographic groups, potentially widening opportunity gaps

Cost and implementation burden: Schools may face expenses for new assessments, staff training, and data systems to comply with new provisions

Alignment with existing frameworks: The bill's requirements may conflict with current state accountability systems, federal education mandates, or district-level assessment programs already in place