The purpose of this report was to examine the progress of 60 local school districts toward attaining the goals of Missouri's Career Ladder Program. The goals were identified as teacher retention, teacher responsibility, professional growth, teacher sharing, teacher collaboration, and student enhancement. The assessment documents of 58 ladder districts were analyzed. These districts had been in the program for two years and had submitted assessments of their career ladder program to the state agency. Site visits were made to 44 of these districts. The results indicate that academic enrichment and remedial programs have enhanced learning opportunities for students; that effective teachers already on staff are remaining in the district; and that the school and community are increasingly communicating. Participants also report greater teacher involvement in school organizations and increased professional interactions. (Author)