FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2022
Superintendent Elsie Arntzen Focuses on Local Control to Demand More Student Learning Success
HELENA – Superintendent Elsie Arntzen has sent all of her recommendations for Chapter 55 revisions to the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee (NRC). These strong recommendations place a focused emphasis on local control of school trustees with community and family engagement to champion innovation and flexibility for the purpose of increasing student learning outcomes. Chapter 55 of Montana’s Administrative Rules houses the accreditation standards that define school quality.
“Our accreditation standards must focus on delivering educational excellence to our Montana students,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “This is achieved through creating effective teachers and school leaders while engaging families and the community. Giving districts the flexibilities needed to innovate will grow student learning and academic achievement, which is what defines school quality.”
The following recommendations have been sent to the NRC ahead of the June 9, 2022 meeting and will be negotiated throughout the June meetings:
School Leadership:
- ARM 55.701 – Changes to this rule ensure student-centered outcomes by prioritizing policy to safety, student learning, and community engagement.
- ARM 10.55.702 – Changes the rule to transfer language to rule 10.57.114.
- ARM 10.55.703 – Expanded the role of the principal to include personalized and proficiency-based learning, and strategic planning with community and family involvement to maximize student learning.
- ARM 10.55.704 – The local board of trustees based on need has the responsibility for staff leadership needs.
- ARM 10.55.705 - The local board of trustees based on need has the responsibility for staff leadership needs.
- ARM 10.55.706 - Encourages multiple measures for student growth and proficiency
- ARM 10.55.707 – Moved to 10.57.114
- ARM 10.55.708 – Prioritizes instructional responsibilities of teachers
- ARM 10.55.711 – Requesting the repeal of a minimum class size
- ARM 10.55.712 - Board of Trustees determines staffing of instructional aides when teacher load exceeds the maximum
- ARM 10.55.714 - Enhances professional development and aligns with district strategies
- ARM 10.55.713 – Teacher Load and Class Size – no changes
- ARM 10.55.715 – Paraprofessionals - no changes
- ARM 10.55.716 – Removing grandfathering clause for non-fingerprinting – Cleanup to align to DOJ rules
- ARM 10.55.717 – Braille – awaiting expert input
- ARM 10.55.718 – Sign Language - awaiting expert input
- ARM 10.55.719 - Student Protection Procedures – no changes
- ARM 10.55.720 – Suicide – no changes
- ARM 10.55.721 – Safety Plans – Negotiated and consensus was reached
- ARM 10.55.722 – NEW Standard – Family & Community Engagement
- ARM 10.55.723 - NEW Standard – Mentorship and Induction
- ARM 10.55.724 - NEW Standards – Annual evaluation of regularly employed staff
Educational Opportunity:
- ARM 10.55.801 – School Climate – Negotiated and consensus was reached
- ARM 10.55.802 – Opportunity and Education Equity - Negotiated and consensus was reached
- ARM 10.55.803- Defining High-Quality Instruction and Access for Students
- ARM 10.55.804 - Gifted and Talented – Negotiated and consensus was reached
- ARM 10.55.805 – Special Education – No changes
- ARM 10.55.806 – NEW Standard - English Language Learners
Academic Requirements:
- ARM 10.55.901- Elementary Programming - Negotiated and consensus was reached
- ARM 10.55.902 – Under negotiations – middle school electives
- ARM 10.55.903 – Previously repealed
- ARM 10.55.904 – Basic Education HS – Negotiated and consensus was reached
- ARM 10.55.905 – HS Graduation Requirements - Negotiated and consensus was reached
- ARM 10.55.906 - High School Credit demonstrates proficiency in an equivalent course
- ARM 10.55.907 - Distance and Technology – adds grade-band to learning progressions
- ARM 10.55.908 - School Facilities – Negotiated and consensus was reached
- ARM 10.55.909 – High School Credit - Negotiated and consensus was reached
- ARM 10.55.910 – Discipline – No changes
- ARM 10.55.911 – Official High School Transcript – No changes
Program Area Standards:
- ARM 10.55.1001 – Program Standards - adds grade-band to learning progressions
- ARM 10.55.1002 – Previously repealed
- ARM 10.55.1003 - Program Standards - adds grade-band to learning progressions
Communication Arts:
- ARM 10.55.1101 - English Language Arts & Literacy – updated standards title & added elements of ELA speaking, listening
Health Enhancement:
- ARM 10.55.1301 - Updated title to Health & Physical Education & add the language of 10.55.1302 to streamline
- ARM 10.55.1302 – Health Enhancement Participation – a recommendation to repeal
Vocational/Practical Arts:
- ARM 10.55.1701 - Career & Technical Education – removed vocational added employability skills
Library Media:
- ARM 10.55.1801 – Library Media Program Delivery Standards – Negotiated and consensus was reached
School Counseling:
- ARM 10.55.1901 – Developing and Implementing counseling – added a “program”
World Languages:
- ARM 10.55.2101 World Languages – added cultural perspective
Computer Science:
- ARM 10.55.2201 – Computer Science Program Delivery Standards – No changes
The negotiated rulemaking process is required by § 20-7-101, MCA, when changes to school accreditation rules occur. The Negotiated Rulemaking Committee’s recommended changes to the school standards of accreditation will be presented to the Board of Public Education in July 2022. The cost associated with the changes, an economic impact statement, will be sent in September 2022 to the Education Interim Committee and then to the 2023 legislative session.
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Brian.O'Leary, Communications Director
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