Students needing a mobile device for a disability are exempt, and cell phones are allowed during safety emergencies. Districts and charter schools can decide if teachers may permit phone use in class.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed legislation Tuesday that boosts the minimum salary for teachers, changes the formula for funding public schools and expands a tax-credit scholarship for private schools.

After years of failed efforts to get their priorities across the finish line, advocates for making major changes to Missouri's public school system feel they have the momentum.

A new behavior and character education framework will be provided to Missouri schools, but many are confused as to what's next.