February 6, 2026
Missouri schools can continue to choose Star Assessments to support foundational literacy development in grades K–3
BLOOMINGTON, MN (Feb. 6, 2026) – Renaissance, a leader in pre-K–12 education technology, announced today that the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has reapproved Renaissance Star Assessments for inclusion on the state’s K–3 reading assessment list. The list was created in accordance with Missouri Senate Bill 681 and has been updated for the 2026–2027 school year.
As a result of this approval, local education agencies (LEAs) can continue to utilize Star Reading, Star CBM Reading, and Star Early Literacy to assist educators in guiding students toward becoming proficient and confident readers.
“We continue to be inspired by the dedication of educators and education leaders across Missouri in advancing literacy for all students,” said Chris Wilson, Vice President of Government Affairs at Renaissance. “We are honored that Star Assessments have once again been approved for the Qualified Vendor List. Renaissance is excited to deepen our strong partnership with DESE and local education agencies throughout the Show Me State.”
Star Assessments are quick and easy for teachers to administer, and they provide a comprehensive view of each learner to support foundational literacy development. Star Assessments for Missouri Reading include:
- Star Reading, an online assessment for independent readers in the key domains of vocabulary, comprehension, structural analysis, and more.
- Star CBM Reading, curriculum-based measures to assess students’ understanding of letters and their sounds, phonological awareness, decoding, and oral passage reading. Teachers administer these measures 1:1, either online or on paper.
- Star Early Literacy, an online assessment of phonological awareness, phonics, print concepts, fluency, and comprehension for beginning and emergent readers.
In announcing the award, DESE noted that Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) section 167.645 “requires all school districts and charter schools to assess all students enrolled in kindergarten through grade three at the beginning and end of each school year and any newly enrolled student in grades one through five for their level of reading or reading readiness on a state-approved reading assessment. All local education agencies must use one of the state-approved assessments beginning with the 2026–27 school year to meet this statutory requirement.”
To learn more about Missouri’s state-approved K–3 reading assessment list, click here.
About Renaissance
As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student.
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Tracy Stewart
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