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The OPI is providing this newsletter every month for an update on current events and ongoing education-related issues in Montana. The next Navigator will be sent to you in
September 2024
For previous editions of the Navigator click here.
Table Of Contents
August Navigator
 On Monday, July 29th, Superintendent Arntzen joined fellow Montanans during the unveiling of the Governor Judy Martz statue at the Capitol building. Martz served as the state’s 22nd Governor from January 1, 2001, to January 3, 2005.
Superintendent's Message
Summer is a time for rest and recharging with family. I hope that as legislators and candidates you were able to enjoy this summer with your communities. As a teacher of 23 years, I understand that as August approaches the focus shifts to reopening our school doors and welcoming our new and returning students and families.
OPI’s doors are always open and our staff continues to embrace innovation.
My agency is preparing for the statewide rollout of our Montana Aligned to Standards Through-Year, or MAST, program. Our MAST team will be traveling the state to offer professional learning opportunities and answer questions from educators and school leaders. This innovative Montana-made program is truly paving the way in reimagining student assessments across the country.
As Montana schools prepare to close out the federal ESSER dollars in September, our team stands ready to help by holding office hours Monday through Saturday. In mid-August my agency will be announcing an exciting opportunity for teachers that utilizes ESSER dollars to support math and reading projects.
As summer comes to end, please use OPI as a resource when considering education policy priorities for next session. I am appreciative of your preparation for the new 2024-2025 school year.
Sincerely,
Legislative Updates
Legislative Implementation
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HB 393 - Students with Special Needs Equal Opportunity Act
By Rep Sue Vinton
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HB 393 established a students with special needs education savings account (ESA). Qualified students, those identified as a "child with a disability" under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C 1400, may be eligible for reimbursement of allowable education expenses.
Nineteen contracts have been completed by parents and signed by Superintendent Arntzen. These parents have now begun submitting receipts to OPI for reimbursement. There are two application windows, May 1, 2024 – June 1, 2024, and parents will have another opportunity from November 2024 to December 2024.
In August schools will be notified of the students in the district that will be participating in the ESA program.
The next ESA Steering committee will be held on August 12, 2024 at 4:00pm. You can find more information on ESA Steering Committee HERE.
Legal timeline of the Education Savings Account:
You can find more information about the ESA program HERE. For questions, please contact Whitney Williams, Education Savings Account Specialist.
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SB 232: Provide for deadlines to respond to public information requests
By Rep Janet Ellis
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SB 232 implemented new requirements for public records requests which apply to all Montana state agencies. The bill established separate requirements for executive branch agencies; established a deadline for executive branch agencies to acknowledge receipt of a public information request; allowed for an extension of the response deadline by mutual agreement between the requester and the agency; and allowed a person to file an action in district court if an executive branch agency fails to meet the response deadline.
This bill does not require the OPI be in compliance until Oct 1, 2025, while other agencies (except for the Secretary Of State and Department of Justice) must be in compliance by November 2024.
In February, OPI completed an update to the Public Records Request Policy which brought OPI into compliance with the new requirements more than a year and a half before OPI is required to be in compliance.
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HB 382: Revise education laws related to career and technology student organizations
By Rep Greg Oblander
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HB 382 revised the Career and Technical Student Organizations program (CTSOs). The legislation increased funding to CTSO's with performance grants based on increased reporting and private matching funds. You can find more information about CTSO program HERE.
CTSOs serve a total of 12,477 Montana students through DECA, BPA, FCCLA, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA and TSA.
All seven CTSOs received base funding of $79,000 for 2024-25. All the CTSO's submitted their required reports for the new 2024-25 performance grant. The reports are currently being reviewed. In September the CTSO's will be notified of their performance grant amount.
For more information, please contact Shannon Boswell, CTAE Education Manager.
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HB 619 - Assessment Laws for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children
By Rep Connie Keogh
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HB 619 standardizes how Montana tracks language acquisition among deaf and hard of hearing children through age 9, and enhance the state’s ability to collect data on how individual children are progressing. The bill established a temporary advisory committee organized by the Office of Public Instruction and Department of Public Health and Human Services.
In July, The Language Development Advisory Committee released their recommendations, and you can find the report HERE.
The Language Development Advisory Committee advised the Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Office of Public Instruction
- on the selection of language developmental milestones for children who are deaf or hard of hearing that are equivalent to milestones for children who are not deaf or hard of hearing;
- made recommendations on the selection and administration of provider or educator tools or assessments;
- and advised on content and administration of the existing instruments used to assess the language development of deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
For more information, please contact Christy Mock-Stutz, Assistant Superintendent.
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HB 352 - Provide targeted interventions to support reading proficiency
By Rep Brad Barker
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Superintendent Arntzen is actively implementing HB 352, Early Literacy Targeted Intervention Program, 20-7-1803, MCA. This program enhances early literacy learning in Montana schools by offering optional classroom-based, home-based, and jumpstart programs for eligible students. The Office of Public Instruction (OPI) is working with the Board of Public Education's Early Literacy Advisory Council to ensure successful program implementation, aiming to improve reading proficiency by the end of third grade. The Early Literacy Collaborative provides guidance to engage stakeholders and offers clear directives for local districts. Waterford was selected as the provider for the home-based learning program.
The OPI continues to support schools as they implement their classroom based, home based, and jumpstart intervention programs!
Please see the below flyer for upcoming Early Literacy Learning Series for Educators. This series was designed to support the implementation of early literacy target intervention classroom programs.
For more information, please contact Christy Mock-Stutz, Assistant Superintendent or Marie Judisch, Teaching and Learning Senior Manager.
Other Policy Updates
Proposed Rule Changes
On July 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) held an in-person public hearing at the OPI building at 1300 11th Avenue, Helena, Montana, to consider the proposed adoption and amendment of the rules pertaining to school finance.
Due to technical difficulties regarding online participation, the hearing will continue and be reconvened on August 30, 2024 at 10:00am. The public can attend in person at at the OPI building at 1300 11th Avenue, Helena, Montana or via Zoom for remote participation.
- Meeting ID: 891 1731 4325
- Password: 008074
- Dial by Telephone: +1 646 558 8656
- Meeting ID: 891 1731 4325
- Password: 008074
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Montana Youth Suicide Rates & Prevention
On July 16, 2024 the Child Protective Services (CPS) Work Group held a meeting where a presentation was given on the Montana Youth Suicide Prevention Program. Youth suicide rates in Montana have fallen in the last two years, shown in the below graph. OPI works closely with DPHHS to implement school and youth suicide prevention programs in Montana, and will continue to support mental health programs within schools.
Some of these programs include:
For more information, please contact Courtney Hubbs, Project AWARE Program Manager.
Teacher Salary & Benefits Analysis
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OPI Research Analyst and Liaison, Robin Clausen, produced an analysis of teacher salary & benefits through the lens of the TEACH Act for the 2024 Constitutional Players convening in June. He will be preparing a more in-depth analysis of teacher and administrator pay for September legislative meetings. You can find the June analysis below and HERE. You can also find a recent article about Superintendent pay HERE. |
Budget & Education Working Group
The OPI established the Budget & Education Working Group to gather information from the community and offer feedback that will serve as a resource for the legislature when considering education funding for the 2025 Biennium Budget and 2025 Legislative Session.
Due to overwhelming interest, there were seven breakout groups within the larger working group. OPI held four rounds of meetings in April, May, June, and July. OPI staff will now produce a white paper and provide the paper to the Legislature in September.
On the Budget & Education Working Group you can find more information including: meeting agendas, recordings of the meetings, summary pages, and more.
If you have any questions please contact Katie Bloodgood, Legislative Liaison.
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Agency Reports
The OPI, along with other state agencies, are required by statute to provide certain reports to the legislature in writing by September 1, 2024 or September 30, 2024. OPI is currently preparing these reports and they will be made available here as they are submitted to the legislature. A list of Education Committee required reports can be found here
If you have any questions please contact Katie Bloodgood, Legislative Liaison.
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Legislative Updates & Resources
For further policy updates, resources for legislators, or general legislative items, please visit OPI's updated Legislative Updates & Resources webpage.
As you look to the next legislative session and consider your education policy priorities, OPI is here as a resource. Please contact Katie Bloodgood, Legislative Liaison, if OPI can be of any assistance as you draft and review legislation.
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Calendar
The Gavel provides updates on the implementation of new laws, in-depth research, links to interesting topics, and timely items about the Legislature.
Legislative Calendar Updates
8/7 - State Administration and Veterans Affairs Committee - Browning
8/8 - State Administration and Veterans Affairs Committee - Pablo
8/8 - HB 872 Commission - Room 152
8/16 - Revenue Interim Committee - Room 137
8/19 - Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform- Room 137
8/20 - Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform - Room 137
8/21 - Legislative Council- Room 137
8/22 - 911 Advisory Council & Public Safety Communications Council - Room 152
8/28 - CPS Work Group - Room 137
8/29 - Economic Affairs Committee - Room 147
9/4 - Transportation Interim Committee - Room 137
9/5 - State Administration and Veterans Affairs Committee - Room 137
Highlights for Schools
Montana Teachers Choose
OPI will be launching a grant initiative in mid-August that will allow teachers to create projects that focus on strengthening math and reading for Montana students. More information will flow to county and district superintendents, principals, clerks and business officials in the next few weeks. Mark your calendars for the August 14 Superintendent Office Hours, at 10:00 AM, for an additional opportunity to ask questions and learn more about this initiative!
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Montana Aligned to Standards Through-Year (MAST) Program
Schedule MAST Math Testlets: Districts and schools will have the flexibility to align their MAST math testlets with the district’s unique scope and sequence. The order of ELA testlets will remain consistent across all districts, as determined by the ELA testlet design, with complexity increasing throughout the school year. The MAST Math Scheduler tool opened July 22, 2024 and will close September 20, 2024. Resources are available in the Scheduler Tool section of the MAST Portal. Schedule a 1:1 Scheduler Tool Support Session with our testing vendor, New Meridian here.
Prepare student testing devices. Install guides will be available early August and can be found on the MAST Portal.
User Management: District ARs and STCs have access to the Kite Educator Portal with the District Test Coordinator (DTC) role. If you cannot find the activation email in your primary inbox, please check your junk/spam folders. Districts/Schools create and maintain user accounts within the Kite Platform. When adding teacher roles, ensure the Educator Identifier Number is unique. Use a distinct and recognizable value, such as the educator’s SEID number or district email address for this field.
Roster Students: After the OPI performs an initial student enrollment, districts can begin rostering students to teachers August 5, 2024 in the Kite Educator Portal.
Entering Student PNPs: Districts can begin entering student PNPs (accommodations) August 5, 2024 in the Kite Educator Portal.
MAST Roadshow
Please join our MAST team for the second in-person MAST Roadshow! To register by August 1, click here. The dates, locations, and times are:
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Havre: August 8, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
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Wolf Point: August 9, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
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Miles City: August 9, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
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Lewistown: August 12, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
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Lockwood: August 12, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
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Great Falls: August 14, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
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Belgrade: August 15, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
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Missoula: August 16, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
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Kalispell: August 16, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
MAST Summit
Join the OPI Assessment Team and partners for the 2024 Fall MAST Virtual Summit on September 5, 2024, from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. This virtual learning opportunity will provide district leaders, system test coordinators, teachers, and school support staff the technical and instructional support required to successfully administer the MAST assessment starting in October 2024. To register, please click here.
For more information, please contact Tressa Graveley, Assessment Specialist.
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Virtual Workshop for New Superintendents
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OPI will host a virtual workshop via Zoom for new school superintendents on August 12, 2024, from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM. During this workshop, new school superintendents will have the opportunity to meet with the OPI staff and gain insight about each department. There will be time to ask questions and gain access to the OPI databases.
The meeting information is HERE.
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Consolidated Administrative Funds Tydings Waiver
The US Department of Education is allowing for a consolidation and liquidation extension request under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES), Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Acts, and Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) for administrative funds available. Due to the closing and reporting requirements for the funding, the Montana Office of Public Instruction intends to apply for the extension waiver as a Consolidated Administrative Funds Tydings Waiver.
Click here for the Montana Consolidated Administrative Funds Tydings Waiver.
In this waiver, Montana is requesting to consolidate allowable unspent administrative funds for the purpose of closeout activities including contract closeouts, financial closing, and reporting.
Any written comments should be submitted to: opipubliccomment@mt.gov. Written comments will be accepted through August 25, 2024.
Below is a timeline outlining the process with stakeholder involvement:
- July 26, 2024: Initiate public comment, by sending email to stakeholders and posting information on the OPI webpage with links to Montana Consolidated Administrative Funds Tydings Waiver.
- August 5, 2024: Webinar for public input 4:00 – 5:00 pm. To join, click here.
- August 20, 2024: Discussion with Education Advocates
- August 25, 2024: Public comment deadline
- August 30, 2024 Response to public input
September 6, 2024: Final Draft prepared and submitted to DOE
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Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER)
ESSER Close Out Process began in July 2024, contact Kimberly Kelly at kimberly.kelly@mt.gov or (406) 594-9295 to schedule an appointment. Note this process is different than the E-Grants Final Expenditure Report (FER). It includes a full review of ESSER I, II & III Budget Pages and other relevant documentation. Please complete a Return Funds form if you are returning awarded funds for any reason.
- An email on ESSER spending and compliances for each District was sent in July to start the Close-Out Process.
- If you did not receive an email by July 15, 2024 check spam and contact ESSER Meet the Team.
ESSER III Closeout Deadlines
ESSER System of Support includes 6 days/week via Zoom, phone, email, text, and in person.
- ESSER Team regularly sends out reminder/status district reports. On the OPI website is posted a Monthly District Status Report on allocation and remaining balance.
The state-wide ESSER allocation through July 26, 2024, is:
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 For more information on ESSER please click here or contact Wendi Fawns at wendi.fawns@mt.gov or 406-437-8595.
ELA Content Standards Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Application
English Language Arts and Literacy Content Standards
The agency is seeking applications from interested parties to serve on the ELA and Literacy Content Standards Negotiated Rulemaking Committee (NRC) The agency will seek individuals likely to be significantly affected by the proposed rule amendment, including individuals from the following groups:
- School District Trustees
- K-12 Administrators
- K-12 Teachers
- Higher Education Faculty
- School Business Officials
- Parents
- Taxpayers
- Montana Indian Tribe Representative
Members of the committee will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Cultural Diversity
- Geography/Location
- Relevant Content Experience
- District and School Size
- Grade Levels Served
The members selected by the Superintendent of Public Instruction to serve on the committee must be able to adequately represent the interests of the persons that will be significantly affected by the proposed rule amendment. To apply to serve on the NRC for English Language Arts, please complete this form by August 15, 2024.
Should you have any questions, please reach out to Marie Judisch, Teaching and Learning Senior Manager.
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School Resource Officer Training
 To register, click the links below:
Land Board Updates
The last Land Board meeting was held on July 15, 2024. You can view the meeting HERE.
In July, the Land Board approved timber sales and the sale of a parcel of land that was vacant with no lease on it. A number of standard grant easements were given approval which included fiber optic cable, highway bridge construction, private access road and a buried petroleum pipeline. Additionally, an informational presentation was made regarding the agriculture and grazing improvement Settlement Process.
Upcoming Meetings:
In August, the land board will consider one timber sale, standard grant easements in several counties for water improvement projects, fiber optic cable, electric transmission lines and highway bridge replacement.
The first of a three part approval by the Land Board will be made to proceed with rulemaking to amend Recreational Use Rules. The Rules will be reviewed and amendments made for legislative actions having occurred in 2009, 2015 and 2023 sessions. These updates will proceed after Board approval, then a public comment period and a final approval by the Board.
- 8/19 - Supreme Court Chambers, Mazurek Justice Building, Helena, MT - VIEW
- 9/16 - Supreme Court Chambers, Mazurek Justice Building, Helena, MT - VIEW
- 10/21 - Supreme Court Chambers, Mazurek Justice Building, Helena, MT - VIEW
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  For information on fire restrictions, current fir information, smoke preparedness, and preparing for wildfire, visit MTFireInfo.org. To view an interactive map of wildfires, please click here.
OPI Press Releases
Superintendent Arntzen Announces District Participation in Free and Reduced School Meals
Superintendent Arntzen Seeks Members for the English Language Arts and Literacy Content Standards Negotiated Rulemaking Committee
Superintendent Arntzen to Host Second MAST Roadshow
Superintendent Elsie Arntzen Announces Title Funding Allocations for Montana School Districts
Superintendent Arntzen Releases Historic Montana School Accreditation Statuses
Superintendent Arntzen Recognizes Montana Learning Center for 40 Years of Service
Superintendent Celebrates Education Savings Account Win
Superintendent Arntzen Sends Embargoed Accreditation Status to Schools
Questions? Contact:
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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