Missouri Accelerated Schools (MAS) began in 1987 as a school improvement initiative of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary    Education (DESE). In 2000 Professional Learning Communities (PLC) was added as an initiative that focused on secondary school improvement. Currently, there are nine MAS-PLC centers throughout the state of Missouri with the Cape Girardeau center working with over 30 schools.

Project schools form a team of teachers referred to as "coaches" who enter into a three year training process focusing on best practices to improve student achievement. The coaches then bring the process back to their schools where they initiate positive change by training their colleagues. The "train the trainer" format is sustained through shared resources and guidance from the MAS-PLC staff. Focus areas of our training include, but are not limited to; data analysis, creating S.M.A.R.T. goals, forming a vision, collaborative teaming, giving common formative assessments, and creating a pyramid of interventions. For more information, please see the DESE School Improvement Initiative website or contact our office at 573-986-6130.