OPI Federal Programs Update March 2025

2023 U.S. Census Poverty Estimates

The U.S. Census Bureau has recently shared their district level poverty estimates for 2023.  These will be used to calculate Title I calculations for the 2025-26 school year.  If you would like to review your district’s poverty count estimates, you can access them on the OPI Federal Programs website.  

If you have any questions about your district estimates or would like to dispute them.  You can contact the U.S. Census bureau via phone or e-mail by March 17^th.  

(301) 763-3193 or

E-mail: sehsd.saipe@census.gov

Contact Zach Hawkins with any other questions you might have. 406-444-3083 zachariah.hawkins@mt.gov

Title III Updates

MELIN (MT’s English Learners Instructional Network) meeting:

March 12^th 12pm-1pm

Zoom: https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/9936168716?pwd=VUpPUm1HOUdGdzVWaVlYbDliaXprdz09&omn=89313849661

MELIN ListServ:

If you would like to receive emails about Title III and EL Program updates, please contact Serena Wright (serena.wright@mt.gov)

WIDA eWorkshops are FREE, and you can earn CEUs!!!

CLICK HERE for the list of offerings

English Learner and Title III section of the OPI Website have a new look!

• English Learner page under Families & Students offers resources for families.  Feel free to link to it on your district website!

• Title III: English Language Acquisition is being developed as a robust link to resources, videos, and guidance for district use.  See how it’s coming along!
• LeadershipàFederal ProgramsàTitle III English Language Acquisition
• Please feel free to bookmark the Title III page, I know it takes several clicks to get to the page

Summer Institute June 16-19

EL OFFERINGS:

• WIDA will be presenting in person!!
• Round-table discussion about the Home Language Survey
• Instructional Strategies

McKinney Vento Homeless Update The Federal Programs unit is continuing its partnership with SchoolHouse Connections to provide virtual webinars for Montana educators. This professional Development will focus on supporting students who are homeless. The next session will be Supporting Students Under Six Experiencing Homelessness. Join us Tuesday March 11th from 8:30-9:30am MST.  To register and click the following link:  SchoolHouse Connections  Professional Development in 2025.

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.