State control over education appears to be increasing as a result of state efforts to develop specific programs in response to calls for educational excellence. Missouri's Excellence in Education Act of 1985 was just such an effort and was aimed particularly at improving teaching by attracting and retaining teachers of high quality. The act provides for scholarships for teacher education majors, guaranteed starting salaries, intervention programs, tuition reimbursement for further study, a career ladder, and grants for locally-generated improvement projects. The act also mandates establishment of district policies on student discipline and authorizes an academy for administrators. The act was designed to be phased in gradually from 1985 through 1990 and to cost $177 million in its first 3 years of implementation. Appropriations for funding the act were tied to the state's foundation aid program, and matching funds were required for some programs. Provisions were included to protect local control, enhance early childhood education, encourage participation by teacher groups and legislators in implementation of the act, and monitor teacher quality. (PGD)