Dr. Karla Eslinger Commissioner | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has been selected by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in the Innovative Assessment Demonstration Authority (IADA) Program, starting with the 2025-26 school year. This program aims to improve how students are assessed in English language arts and mathematics.
Missouri is the only state approved for IADA participation this year. The selection allows DESE to develop its Success Ready Student Assessment (SRSA) system, which will introduce modular assessments throughout the academic year instead of relying solely on traditional end-of-year tests. These assessments are designed to provide timely feedback aligned with Missouri Learning Standards.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Karla Eslinger commented on the significance of this development: “This is a major milestone in Missouri’s work to reshape assessments in ways that truly serve our students, families, and educators,” said Commissioner of Education Dr. Karla Eslinger. “We are grateful to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and the Department of Education for choosing the Show-Me State to pilot a new assessment to better gauge and improve student outcomes. It is our hope that this work will help us strengthen our statewide assessments to reflect local priorities, inform instruction, and support real-world learning.”
The SRSA system was created through collaboration among Missouri educators, school leaders, stakeholders, and members from local education agencies involved in Missouri’s Success-Ready Student Network. The pilot program will use modular assessments during the school year so students have multiple chances to show mastery, deliver actionable data quickly to teachers and families, ensure alignment with state standards, and support both traditional classroom settings as well as competency-based learning models.
In fall 2024, DESE received $1 million from the U.S. Department of Education under its Competitive Grants for State Assessments program. This funding supports early phases of developing or improving assessment models for use in schools.
Commissioner Eslinger emphasized the intended impact: “The SRSA system is rooted in the belief that assessments should enhance — not interrupt — teaching and learning,” said Commissioner Eslinger. “We are excited to work with our educators, families, and national partners to refine a system that provides meaningful insights and prepares all students for success.”
More information about DESE’s IADA application and details about SRSA can be found at Success Ready Student Assessment (SRSA).
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