Last month in Missouri, the Governor’s Conference on Baldrige in Education kicked off a large-scale improvement initiative that has the backing of key education groups in the state. With a mission to “facilitate school districts’ deployment of the leadership and management principles that have been developed by the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program,” the Missouri Network for Educational Improvement (MNEI) aims to support Missouri school districts’ use of the Baldrige Education Criteria for Performance Excellence to improve student learning, educators’ satisfaction, and other important results.

“For Missouri to compete in today’s global economy, our students need to graduate from high school ready to succeed in college and careers,” said Missouri Governor Jay Nixon in announcing the conference. “To accomplish that goal we need a comprehensive approach that includes not just more resources, but also higher expectations, greater accountability, and a commitment to excellence at every level.” Nixon urged all school districts to implement the Baldrige Criteria.

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