Thursday, Missouri Education Commissioner Margie Vandeven announced on Twitter that quote, “There is a time and a place for statewide required assessments and now is not the time. Effective immediately, Missouri will be cancelling statewide required assessments for this school year.” end quote. That announcement met with applause from many local educators, including North Shelby Superintendent Kim Gaines.

Gaines says the commissioner in particular deserves credit.

Earlier this week, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education reported closures for all 555 Missouri school districts and charter schools.