Missouri appears ready to raise the bar for new teachers with the Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments (MEGA) slated to be put in place later this year. Prior to program admission, the initial test will require students to demonstrate knowledge in English, writing, math, science, and social studies, regardless of the student's area of concentration. With the goal of evaluating specific content knowledge and practical skills, Missouri also plans to implement performance assessments in 2014. While these assessments still require final approval, with adequate test cut-scores and a rigorous evaluation of classroom performance, MEGA has the potential to make a big difference in the quality of Missouri's new teachers.