Theory of Change

In Missouri, education policy debates are ever present — at the state house and in local communities. Issues such as charter school expansion; open enrollment; teacher pay and retention; and accountability are the subject of legislation year after year. However, there are few organizations working to produce unbiased research about Missouri’s public schools and its impacts on students, families, communities, and society. 

 

MPEF is a trusted and positive voice for public education. MPEF’s purpose is to educate the general public on the positive impacts of public education through a combination of communication, outreach, advocacy, and research initiatives.
 

The three main initiatives of MPEF are intended to promote the importance of public education and highlight its positive effects while also actively identifying research- and data-based solutions that will improve outcomes for students and communities in both the short and long term.

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• Research

  • Fact books and data sheets​​

  • White papers and policy briefs targeted at a broad audience

  • Original research to better understand Missouri's public education system

  • Literature reviews and exploration of what is working in other states

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• Policy Advocacy

  • Provide neutral data and research to policy makers to aid in decision making.

  • Create advocacy toolkits and resources for parents, educators, school board members, and other stakeholders to improve the quality of their advocacy.

  • Identify and advocate for improvements to DESE data systems and practices to make education data more accessible to the public, educators, and researchers.

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• ​Professional Development and Educator Support

  • Convene professional development workshops and networking events for school and district leaders, education advocacy organizations, and/or policy makers on specific topics.

  • Provide rewards and recognition to educators who are achieving high levels of success.

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