This report is the product of a cooperative planning effort by a group of leaders in higher education across Missouri to summarize the available resources for distance education in the state and offer recommendations for increased access. After an introduction, a description of the planning process, and a statement of the group's guiding principles, the report urges that any telecommunications-based delivery system should: emphasize access, be learner-centered, be faculty-supported, provide high quality instruction, support institutional missions, emphasize educational partnerships, use integrated evaluation and improvement strategies, and use appropriate technologies. The current status of telecommunications supported distance learning in Missouri high education is detailed for the specific areas of Internet services, Community Information Networks, video networks, satellite downlinks, and degree programs offered through cooperative arrangements. Extensive recommendations are addressed to the Governor and General Assembly, the Coordinating Board for Higher Education, other state agencies, educational partnerships, and individual institutions. These focus on increasing access, development of a voice/video/data network, expansion of the state information technology system, adoption of a common data exchange system, and statewide access to library resources. A time-frame for implementing recommendations is also provided. Eight appendices provide detail on personnel involved in the report, reports from affinity groups, and lists of current distance education programs. (Contains 13 references.) (JLS)