STATE FUNDING GUIDE

Missouri

SB 681 requires twice-yearly K-3 reading screening with DESE-approved assessments and Reading Success Plans with targeted intervention for students with reading deficiencies; SB 68 (2025) added a requirement that phonics be the primary word-reading instructional strategy. SB 681 also created the Evidence-Based Reading Instruction Program Fund (Section 161.241, RSMo), which reimburses LEAs for literacy improvement efforts including instructional materials — but only materials chosen from DESE’s approved evidence-based list. Districts should confirm current appropriation levels and application windows with DESE, as the original Read, Lead, Exceed funding blended state dollars with now-expired federal relief funds.

SB 681 (2022) evidence-based reading law / Read, Lead, Exceed, strengthened by SB 68 (2025) phonics requirements

How schools fund reading intervention in Missouri

The state-level programs below are the streams Missouri districts most often use for evidence-based reading intervention purchases, alongside the federal streams available everywhere.

Evidence-Based Reading Instruction Program Fund (Section 161.241, RSMo)

Reimburses LEAs for efforts to improve student literacy, including reading instructional materials; materials must come from DESE’s approved evidence-based list, so list placement is a prerequisite for reimbursement-funded purchases.

Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant, 2024 award (state-administered federal)

DESE won a 2024 CLSD grant and channels services and subgrant funds to early learning programs and K-12 schools aligned to the state’s reading initiatives, including evidence-based literacy resources.

Approved-list note: LEAs requesting state reimbursement for reading instructional materials must select from DESE’s published state-approved evidence-based reading instructional materials list, and screeners must be DESE-approved.

Official state resource →