
The legislation signed Wednesday requires high schoolers who start ninth grade after July 2017 to pass an exam similar to the U.S. citizenship test.
The measure also creates a pilot program for rating preschools based on quality. Nixon's office says Missouri previously was the only state to ban such a rating system.
Other provisions include mandated dyslexia screening in public schools beginning in fall 2018 and a requirement that public schools give students a chance every day to say the Pledge of Allegiance. Schools now must make time for the pledge once a week.
It also makes private schools eligible to participate in the A+ Scholarship program for community colleges.
(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.