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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
October 2024
For previous editions of the Navigator click here.
Table Of Contents
Superintendent's Message
 Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year across our great state! Please watch Superintendent Arntzen's Back to School message
On Wednesday, we received the tragic news of a school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. The Montana education community stands united with our fellow educators around the country in lifting up and supporting Winder educators, students, and families as they look to heal from this tragic event.
Montana schools can find resources for mental health and emergency planning on OPI's website.
Highlights for Schools
Montana Awarded Federal Grant!
Montana is one of ten states that has been awarded the 2024 Competitive Grant for State Assessments (CGSA). Montana received $3,999,974 to implement the Montana Aligned to Standards Through-Year (MAST) Science assessment for students in grades 6-8. The 2024 CGSA will fund a new four-year initiative titled: Scaling MAST Assessment to Middle School Science.
Montana was awarded $3 million for the 2022 CGSA to complete the MAST Pilot program. The MAST pilot took place during the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. The pilot included nearly half, or 30,000 students in grades 3-8, and 200 schools across Montana. During the 2024-2025 school year, the MAST program will be used as the federally required student assessment for math and English Language Arts in grades 3-8.
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2025 Montana Teacher of the Year Finalists
 Congratulations to our 2025 Montana Teacher of the Year finalists! These outstanding teachers were chosen from 19 candidates after a robust review process. All 72 nominees represent the dedication and passion that every Montana teacher has for our students, families, and schools. Best of luck to our finalists!
Montana Teachers Choose
Superintendent Arntzen allocated $1.5 million in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to Montana teachers for math and reading projects. This is through a partnership with DonorsChoose, a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit, to offer $500 direct grants to all K-12 public school teachers in Montana.
To qualify for a math or reading project grant, teachers must:
- Visit the DonorsChoose Montana Teachers page
- Teach K-12 in a Montana public school
- Create a new project on or after August 20, 2024.
- Ensure that your project’s total goal is under $500.
- Request resources to accelerate teaching and learning in math and/or reading.
Montana district superintendents and principals can monitor the projects and materials that are shipped to schools through the DonorsChoose District Partnership Program. This program ensures that all materials ordered align with district policy as materials become district/school property.
As of August 29, 2024, there have been 906 approved math and reading projects in 312 public schools accounting for $412,765. These updates and the individual projects can be viewed here.
Teachers in all content areas can take advantage of these grants by creating projects that help their students excel in math and reading.
For more information, contact Brian OLeary, Communications Director.
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Montana Aligned to Standards Through-Year (MAST) Program
The 2024 virtual Montana Aligned to Standards Through-Year (MAST) Fall Summit took place on September 5, 2024. This event offered technical and instructional support and guidance to Montana educators and school administrators for the statewide implementation of MAST during the 2024-2025 school year. The MAST program is made up of multiple through-year testlets that benefit students, parents, teachers, and administrators by providing actionable data and a meaningful model of student growth over the school year.
The MAST Summit included:
- Nationally recognized presenters providing a keynote on instructional usefulness and framework to review and adjust local assessment systems for coherence.
- Sessions dedicated to using the MAST testing platform, with an emphasis on effective preparation and administration.
- Guidance on accessing, analyzing, and interpreting MAST score reports to drive informed instructional decisions.
- Best practices for providing appropriate accommodations during the MAST assessment, with a strong focus on accessibility.
- A panel discussion featuring Montana educators, offering valuable insights and experiences on implementing the MAST assessment across diverse educational settings.
For more information, please contact Tressa Graveley, Assessment Specialist.
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Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER)
ESSER Community Discussion:
On September 5, 2024, Superintendent Arntzen hosted a community discussion for parents, teachers, school leaders, legislators, and community members on ESSER funds. The community discussion included:
- A review of the timeframe, allowable uses, and Montana’s State Plan for ESSER I, II, and III
- Research by Dr. Carly Urban and Dr. Christiana Stoddard from Montana State University on the ways Montana districts have utilized ESSER funds
- A review of the ways Montana has utilized the ESSER state set-aside funds
You can view the meeting here and the presentations are available on the OPI's ESSER page here.
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 For more information on ESSER please click here or contact Wendi Fawns at wendi.fawns@mt.gov
2024-25 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) Scholarship to Open
The 2024-25 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) Scholarship opened August 12, 2024, to Montana Juniors and Seniors who meet the USSYP qualifications!
Two students from Montana will be selected to receive one $10,000 scholarship each, along with a trip to Washington, D.C., March 1-8, 2025. Attending the entire Washington Week public service and leadership program and the college scholarship are one, inseparable award!
The application is available right now on the OPI Student Scholarships & Student Exchange webpage, and complete application packets must be submitted electronically by 11:59 pm, October 7, 2024.
Questions? Contact Kristen Bokovoy, USSYP Coordinator, at Kristen.Bokovoy2@mt.gov or 406-444-2417.
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Legislative Updates
Legislative Implementation
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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.
HB 203- Out-of-District Tuition
HB 171 - Revising laws related to the education of children receiving inpatient treatment
By Rep David Bedey
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Proposed Rule Changes
In the matter of the adoption of New Rules I through III and the amendment of ARM 10.7.106A, 10.10.301, 10.10.301B, 10.10.301C, 10.10.301D, 10.16.3818, and 10.20.106 pertaining to school finance. The proposed rule changes would reflect changes to law made by components of HB 203 (2023) and HB 171 (2023).
MAR Notice:
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 reconvened on August 30, 2024 at 10:00am. Public comment was due no later than 5:00 p.m., August 30, 2024.
If you have any questions please contact Rick Wootton, Lawyer.
2025 Session
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As you look to the next legislative session and consider your education policy priorities, OPI is here as a resource. The Superintendent has been meeting with legislators to assist with questions as they prepare legislation for 2025.
Please contact Katie Bloodgood, Legislative Liaison, if OPI can be of any assistance as you draft and review legislation.
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Other Updates
Agency Reports
The OPI, along with other state agencies, are required by statute to provide certain reports to the legislature in writing. The below reports have been delivered to Legislative Services and the Education Interim Committee. The reports in bold will be presented at the Joint Education interim Committee and Education Interim Budget Committee Meeting on September 17, 2024.
If you have any questions please contact Katie Bloodgood, Legislative Liaison.
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Title IX Rules
On August 1, 2024, the United States Department of Education's regulations amending Title IX sex discrimination rules took effect for much of the country, but not in Montana and several other states. Montana and these other states remain subject to the prior Title IX rules as they existed before the recent amendments.
A version of the current, pre-amendment rules can be found here for your reference.
Timeline:
- On April 19, 2024, the Biden administration finalized the 1,500-page federal Title IX rule changes.
- On April 25, 2024, Superintendent Arntzen sent a letter to school districts informing them that the federal Title IX rule changes contradict state law and harm free speech, due process, and parental rights.
- On April 29, 2024 Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen led a coalition of attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Biden administration’s unlawful Title IX rule.
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On June 13, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana issued an order enjoining enforcement of the new regulations in Louisiana, Montana, Mississippi, and Idaho in State of Louisiana v. U.S. Dep’t of Educ.
- On August 16, 2024, The Supreme Court denied the U.S. Department of Education’s (DOE) request for a partial stay of the injunction on the new Title IX rules.
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Law Books
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School Laws of Montana 2023 Books are still available. Orders can be placed using the form here.
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School Funding Clean-up Bill Drafts for 2025 Session
These bill drafts were prepared in partnership between the Interim Education Committee and the Office of Public Instruction.
These bill drafts were prepared by the Interim Education Committee:
If you have any questions please contact Paul Taylor, Lead Budget Analyst.
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Annual Goals & Objectives
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The Office of Public Instruction posted the 2024 annual plan that provides the initiatives, goals, and outcomes the department intends to accomplish, meeting the requirements of 17-7-111, MCA.
You can find the 2023 Annual Plan here and the 2024 Annual Plan here.
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Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission
The Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3) was adopted by the Montana legislature through SB203 which resulted in 20-1-230 & 20-1-231 MCA. MIC3's purpose is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families.
As we ready for opening up for applications again this fall, please share with your local schools the opportunity to apply for a Purple Star Award designation. We want to recognize and partner with schools across Montana who work to honor our many military families and students. Applications will be available HERE.
On September 5, 2024 OPI presented the annual report on Educational Opportunity for Military Children to the State Administration and Veterans' Affairs Interim Committee. You can find a recording of the hearing HERE.
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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.
On the Budget & Education Working Group you can find more information including: meeting agendas, recordings of the meetings, summary pages, and more.
The final white paper summarizing the discussions from the working group meetings will be given to the legislature this month and will be posted on the Budget & Education Working Group website.
If you have any questions please contact Katie Bloodgood, Legislative Liaison.
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Attorney General Knudsen to honor 9/11 first responders, victims in Helena
"Attorney General Austin Knudsen and the Montana Department of Justice will host a ceremony commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The fallen heroes who gave their lives to uphold public safety and answered the call to service and the victims who lost their lives that day will be honored.
The ceremony will feature Kevin Shea, who was a first responder in New York City on the day of the attack, as well as Helena Fire Chief Jon Campbell, the Montana Highway Patrol Honor Guard, and the Montana State Firefighter's Association Honor Guard.
The event is open to the public and will be held on Wednesday, September 11 at 12 p.m. in the State Capitol Rotunda." - Press Release Montana Department of Justice
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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
9/9 - Criminal Justice Oversight Council - Room 102
9/10 - Energy and Telecommunications Committee - Room 152
9/10 - Law and Justice Committee- Room 102
9/10 - Local Government Committee - Room 137
9/11 - Children, Families, Health and Human Services Committee - Room 137
9/11 - Legislative Audit Committee (A)- Room 172
9/11 - Broadband IIJA Communications Advisory Commission - Room 152
9/12 - Court System for Dependency and Neglect Task Force - Room 102
9/12 - Legislative Audit Committee (A) - Room 172
9/12 - Water Policy Committee - Room 317
9/13 - Transition Review Committee - Room 102
9/13 - Water Policy Committee- Room 317
9/16 - Education Committee - Room 317
9/17 - Select Committee on Corrections Facility Capacity and System Development- Room 172
9/17 - Joint Education Committee and Interim Budget Committee Section E - Room 317
9/18 - Interim Budget Committee Section A (General Government)- Room 335
9/18 -Interim Budget Committee Section B (Health and Human Services) - Room 172
9/18 - Interim Budget Committee Section C (Natural Resources)- Room 422
9/18 - Interim Budget Committee Section D (Public Safety) - Room 152
9/18 - Interim Budget Committee Section E (Education) - Room 102
9/18 - Interim Budget Committee Section F (Long Range Planning)- Room 472
9/19 - Legislative Finance Committee (A) - Room 317
9/20 - Legislative Council - Legislative Space Workgroup (A) - Room 102
9/25 - Financial Modernization and Risk Analysis Study MARA - Remote
9/25 - Information Technology Planning Council- Room 102
9/26 - MT Tribe/Urban/Indian Health Service Health 101 - Room 152
9/27 - Montana Sexual Assault Response Network Committee - Room 152
10/1 - Attorney Swearing In Ceremony - Room 303
Land Board Updates
During the August meeting, the Land Board passed FWP Conservation Leases on eight eastern Montana properties for 40-year leases, providing habitat and conservation for Montana’s wildlife as well as recreational opportunities for the general public. The Land Board also reviewed the Llama Tracks timber sale in Lincoln County. The anticipated Common Schools Trust revenue is $167,929 for roughly 200 acres of ground-based logging.
During the September meeting the Land Board is expected to review oil and gas lease sales.
- 9/16 - Supreme Court Chambers, Mazurek Justice Building, Helena, MT - VIEW
- 10/21 - Supreme Court Chambers, Mazurek Justice Building, Helena, MT - VIEW
- 11/18 - Supreme Court Chambers, Mazurek Justice Building, Helena, MT - VIEW
- 12/16 - Supreme Court Chambers, Mazurek Justice Building, Helena, MT - VIEW
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  For information on fire restrictions, current fire 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 Proudly Accepts Assessment Grant for MAST Science Program
Back to School Doesn’t Need to Mean Back to Vape: What parents need to know when kids go back to school this year.
Superintendent Arntzen Establishes Scoring Guidelines for MAST Reading Assessment
Updated: Superintendent Arntzen to Host Virtual Community Discussion on Federal ESSER Funds
Superintendent Arntzen to Host Virtual Community Discussion on Federal ESSER Funds
Superintendent Elsie Arntzen Proudly Announces 2025 Montana Teacher of the Year Finalists
Superintendent Arntzen Celebrates US Supreme Court’s Title IX Decision
Superintendent Arntzen Hosts the 2024 Virtual MAST Fall Summit
Superintendent Arntzen Offers Grants to Montana Teachers for Math and Reading Projects
Superintendent Arntzen Launches Early Literacy Professional Learning Series
Superintendent Elsie Arntzen Encourages High School Students to apply for the 2024-25 U.S. Senate Youth Program Scholarship
Superintendent Arntzen Announces that OPI School Nutrition Team Receives National Recognition
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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