Big Idea #1 - ARP-ESSER State Plan - Public Comment Needed by May 21, 2021
The Montana Office of Public Instruction is seeking public comment on the ARP-ESSER State template.
Stakeholder survey link
Please note that responses will be considered as formal public comment. The OPI has also scheduled three, 90-minute webinars for you to choose a time that works for you to give public input.
- May 14, 2021: Presentation and discussion with the Montana Board of Public Education
- May 17, 2021: Webinar 1 for public input, 9:00am-10:30am
- Zoom Link
- Meeting ID: 812 2252 3018
- Password: 377524
- May 17, 2021: Webinar 2 for public input, 4:00pm to 5:30pm
- Zoom Link
- Meeting ID: 858 1309 9946
- Password: 317302
- May 18, 2021: Discussion with Education Advocates
- May 18, 2021: Webinar 3 for public input, 10:30am-12:00pm
- Zoom Link
- Meeting ID: 814 8185 9343
- Password: 710609
- May 21, 2021: Survey for public comment deadline
- May 2021: Consultation with the Governor’s office
- June 7, 2021: Final draft prepared and submitted to USED
Background Information
On March 24, 2021, the Montana OPI received from the U.S. Department of Education (USED) the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Funds, authorized under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act. The ARP-ESSER provides $382,019,236 (ESSER III) for Montana schools to safely reopen and sustain safe operations of schools while meeting the academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of students resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This marks the third round of ESSER funding that Montana has received and is available through September 2024.
Following the release of the ARP-ESSER funding, on April 21, 2021, USED issued an application template for States to share how they will work with districts to monitor the use and impact of ARP ESSER funds. Through the ARP-ESSER State template, the following requirements and timelines were set by the Department:
- June 7, 2021. Due date for submitting the ARP ESSER State Plan to USED.
- June 21, 2021. No later than June 21, 2021, but as soon as possible, the State must make information available on its website about the numbers of schools in the state providing each mode of instruction, student enrollment data for each mode of instruction by all students and disaggregated by subgroup, and if available, student attendance data.
- June 24, 2021. Within 30 days of receiving an ARP ESSER allocation, districts must develop and make publicly available a Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan.
- August 24, 2021. Districts submit ARP ESSER Plans to the State within 90 days after receiving its ARP ESSER allocation.
Therefore, the Montana OPI is seeking public comment on the ARP-ESSER State template.
Any additional comments on ARP-ESSER should be directed to jeffrey.kirksey@mt.gov.
Big Idea #2 - Calling all Principals: Opportunity to Learn Survey
A Survey that Matters—Open May 3rd to May 21st, 2021
The OPI has developed a survey to determine what opportunities our students had to learn during the 2020-2021 school year. This survey went live on Monday, May 3, and will continue through May 21. This survey will provide information to inform the OPI and school districts about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on learning and determine priorities for future action to address the loss of instructional time.
The purposes of the Opportunities to Learn (OTL) survey are to gain a better understanding of learning experiences, student access to educational resources, and learning conditions during the 2020-2021 school year; and to support more appropriate interpretations of the 2020-2021 assessment data. The results will assist districts in completing their American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) planning requirements as well.
This survey was distributed via emails to school principals, and we have heard from a few folks that they didn't get the email. If your school principals haven't received the URLs for the survey specific to their school, please reach out to Anne Bauer, Data Operations Manager via email at abauer@mt.gov.
Are you beginning to plan for professional learning on the five new or revised Montana content area standards (Social Studies, Library Media, Tech Integration, Computer Science (new), and Career and Technical Education)? We have resources for you. Check out the Professional Learning for New Standards tab on the K-12 Content Standards and revision webpage. PowerPoint, and professional learning activities are linked for use. Learn more and access the new sets of standards on each content area's webpage.
Planning for Summer School? Reminder to check out the Summer Learning Opportunities Webpage highlighting the 2021 Summer Learning & Enrichment: State Guidance for Districts and School Leaders.
Standards, Instruction and Professional Learning Contacts
Colet Bartow, Senior Manager, Teaching and Learning Department, 406-444-3583
Stephanie Swigart, English Language Arts Coordinator, 406-444-0736
Michelle McCarthy, Science Coordinator, 406-444-3537
Marisa Graybill, Mathematics Coordinator, 406-444-0706
Terri Barclay, Montana Comprehensive Literacy Project Manager, 406-444-0753
Carli Cockrell, Professional Learning Coordinator, 406-444-0769
Vacant, Teacher Learning Hub Coordinator, 406-444-3557
Allyson Briese, Teacher Learning Hub Content Specialist, 406-444-0716
Marjorie O'Rourke, Professional Learning Data & Information Specialist, 406-444-3538
The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.
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