State takeovers of local school districts impact more than grades and finances

Missouri joins multiple states in using an A-F grading system to evaluate schools, with state takeovers based on metrics like test scores and graduation rates. The policy ignores health factors impacting students and communities, disproportionately affecting Black and low-income districts. State takeovers in St. Louis area districts with majority-Black populations are described as traumatic, raising concerns about racial equity and health outcomes.