ELA
The Negotiated Rulemaking Committee began the standards review process on January 6-8, 2025, meeting in person in Helena for Sessions 1, 2, and 3 and virtually for sessions 4-5 on January 30-31. Recordings and agendas for sessions 1-5 can be found on the ELA Standards Revisions Webpage. Meeting minutes will be available soon for sessions 4-5.
A sixth session of Negotiated Rulemaking will take place virtually on February 28 from 8:30-10:30 am.
See the standard task force’s final version of the proposed standards.
More information can be found on the OPI’s ELA Standards Revisions Webpage.
Math
The Board of Public Education has determined that more time should be allotted for district implementation of the new math standards. The new implementation date is July 2026!
Professional learning is ongoing! Keep an eye out for opportunities at conferences and on the mathematics revision webpage to learn more about the new standards.
Guidance is being developed as we speak. To stay informed, visit the mathematics revision webpage. All published guidance documents will be visible on this page as they become available.
Professional Development Requests
Fill out the PD Request Form to request specialized professional development from the Standards, Instruction, and Professional Learning Team at OPI (expected time: 10-12 minutes). This request form serves as an opportunity for school districts to communicate their needs for additional professional development opportunities in the area of K-12 Education.
Once a request is submitted, OPI's Standards, Instruction, and Professional Learning Team will review the request and consider the next steps. Follow-up communication will be had directly with the party submitting this form unless otherwise indicated. If this request is being made less than thirty days from the requested professional development day, please understand that there is a small chance our specialists will be available.
MAST Updates
Summer Institute Sessions
The following sessions are planned for OPI’s Summer Institute from June 16-19 at Montana State University in Bozeman.
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MAST Technical Support: New to MAST: This dynamic and hands-on session will equip school testing coordinators with the technical skills and knowledge to manage MAST processes effectively.
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MAST Curriculum Alignment and Scheduler: This engaging and collaborative session is designed to support teachers, curriculum directors, and School Testing Coordinators in reflecting on and refining their processes for aligning math curriculum.
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MAST Score Reports and Next Steps: This insightful and practical session will guide attendees in accessing, interpreting, and utilizing MAST Score Reports to support student learning.
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MAST 101: This introductory session is designed for educators new to MAST or those looking to deepen their understanding of the assessment system.
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MAST Instruction: Proficiency-Based Learning Models: This in-depth session explores the key elements of Proficiency-Based Learning Models and how they can transform instruction and student outcomes.
Virtual Professional Learning Sessions
Join the Assessment team for 2025 MAST-Aligned Instructional Professional Learning on Mondays from 4:00-5:00 pm.
- March 10
- April 7
- April 28
MAST Office Hours take place from 8:00-9:00 am every first Tuesday and 3:00-4:00 pm every third Thursday of the month.
The Last Best Learning Podcast
The Mission of the Last Best Learning Podcast is to deliver digestible and relevant professional learning that honors educators’ capacity in an increasingly busy world.
We believe that our state’s educators empower minds, elevate futures, and inspire self-discovery - and we walk beside them.
We invite you to join us in this innovative approach to professional development, tailored to address the unique challenges faced by educators in Montana's ever-changing educational landscape. On the last week of every month, the podcast will be uploaded to the K-12 Content Standards webpage.
Coming Soon:
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Ep. 7 - Every Voice Every Day: Embracing Diversity Through Inclusive Instruction with special guests, Carrie Owen, Rebecca Turk, and Aria Peters
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Ep. 8 - Data Matters: Protecting Student Privacy in a Digital Age, with special guests Cathleen Kuchera, West Valley School District and Kiki Moses, Cayuse Prairie School District
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Ep. 9 - "Learning is Human:" AI in Education, with special guests Jason Neiffer and Connor Mulvaney
Previous Episodes:
Math
February’s volume of the MT Math Minute is live and ready to view! Each month, our Math Coordinator compiles relevant features, classroom resources, IEFA implementation ideas, and sometimes, teacher spotlights! This month’s edition covers IEFA integration ideas involving cooking, digging deeper into proposed mathematical practice standard #4, upcoming professional learning events, and more classroom resources!
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Our Math Coordinator has been developing a series of resources designed for educators to delve into new mathematical practices. Each video will focus on one practice standard, highlighting the key differences between the 2011 and 2026 math practice standards. We will define student behaviors that exemplify each practice and provide clarity on effective learning tasks and teaching strategies that foster engagement with these practices. Two episodes are now available and each comes with an accompanying facilitator guide to help you explore how to leverage these for professional learning. New episodes of the series will be released monthly on the Mathematics Revision Webpage.
EPISODE 1: Montana Mathematical Practice #1: Problem Solve and Persevere MP #1 Facilitator Guide
EPISODE 2: Montana Mathematical Practice #2: Abstract and Generalize MP#2 Facilitator Guide
EPISODE 3: Montana Mathematical Practice #3: Justify and Prove MP#3 Facilitator Guide
EPISODE 4: Montana Mathematical Practice #4: Model with Mathematics MP#4 Facilitator Guide
COMING SOON!
March: Mathematical Practice #5: Represent
April: Mathematical Practice #6: Collaborate
May: Mathematical Practice #7: Mathematically Connect
Summer 2025: Teacher Learning Hub Course
MCTM Annual Math Contest
MCTM will be hosting its annual regional math contests this spring! This contest provides an opportunity for students to showcase their mathematical prowess in individual and team competitions with opportunities to win door prizes, competitive prizes, and even scholarships!
Check out the MCTM Math Contest Website or the Contest Site Page to learn more or to find out how you can register your students!
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