About the A+ Schools Program
The Missouri A+ Schools Program is a school improvement initiative established by The Outstanding Schools Act of 1993. There are three goals of the A+ Schools Program:
- All students will graduate from high school
- All students will complete a selection of high school studies that is challenging and has identified learning expectations
- All students will proceed from high school to a four year college, community college or postsecondary vocational or technical school, or high wage job with work place skill development opportunities
The State Board of Education designated JHS with A+ status beginning with the class of 1998. A three-year grant of $450,000 began this school-improvement change. The Joplin School District staff worked to upgrade curriculum, to increase the graduation rate, to infuse technology into the curriculum, and to develop career pathways for students, eliminating the "general track" of study.
Everyone Wins with A+!
Students Win:
- Strong Basic Skills through Rigorous Academic and Technical Programs
- Eligibility for Tuition Reimbursement
- Opportunity for Higher Wages
- Opportunity Mentoring and Tutoring Children
Parents Win:
- Reduced Education Cost
- By Having Children Who Want to Stay in School
- A More Secure Future for Their Children
Employers Will Win:
- A Better Educated Work Force
- Employees with Problem-solving and Team Work Abilities
More about Missouri's A+ Schools Program can be found on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's website and the Joplin High School A+ Student Manual (pdf).
