October 2026
As we head into a new month, here's a look back at key news and information from September and important items to know in October.
 Dear Colleagues,
September was a busy month, and I am grateful for the continued work of our educators, school leaders, and OPI staff across Montana.
As much of the interim legislative activity wrapped up, I participated alongside OPI staff in meetings of the Education Interim Committee, Interim Budget Committee, and Audit Committee. This week, OPI staff also participated in meetings of the Board of Public Education and Board of Regents. These meetings provided important opportunities to engage with education leaders and discuss issues affecting Montana students, schools, and communities.
We also welcomed PowerSchool staff to Montana to discuss next steps for data modernization. Be on the lookout for communications from OPI’s Data team about how your school can take advantage of streamlined reporting and additional resources at no cost.
I also traveled to Washington, D.C., for a U.S. Department of Education convening on Comprehensive Centers. Across Montana, OPI staff participated in MASS meetings and continued connecting with educators and school leaders.
This month, we also launched our new Civics Celebration page to help Montana public schools implement House Bill 591 (2025) and the commemorative observances identified in § 20-1-306, MCA, including Freedom Week. The page provides resources and activities to help students learn about civics, understand their role in their communities, and participate in the civic life of our state and nation.
I also had the opportunity to visit Boulder Elementary School, where I joined a kindergarten class for early literacy activities. I hope to have the opportunity to visit schools across Montana and see firsthand the great work happening in classrooms and communities.
We also paused this month to remember and honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, along with their families, the first responders, and all those whose lives were forever changed that day.
Thank you to everyone who has stayed engaged throughout the month and continues to partner with the Montana Office of Public Instruction. I appreciate all that you do for Montana students and look forward to the work ahead.
Best regards,
Superintendent Hedalen
Missing Children Database
https://app.doj.mt.gov/apps/missingPersonDatabase/search/
OPI Openings
 Montana Office of Public Instruction Announces Annual Dual Credit Reporting Requirement
The Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) is notifying postsecondary institutions that offer dual credit courses to Montana public school students of a new annual reporting requirement established under Board of Public Education rule ARM 10.57.223.
The rule allows instructors employed by the Montana University System or an institutionally accredited postsecondary institution to teach dual credit courses without holding a Montana educator license. To support implementation of the rule, OPI is required to collect information annually from participating postsecondary institutions.
By October 31, 2026, institutions offering dual credit courses to Montana public schools must submit information identifying:
- Instructors teaching dual credit courses during the current school year.
- Dual credit courses being offered, including course titles, course codes, and credit values.
The annual collection will assist OPI in meeting reporting requirements established by the Board of Public Education and help ensure accurate records of dual credit opportunities available to Montana students.
Information has been sent to institutions directly with instructions on the reporting requirements any questions or access to the survey may be directed to opiaccred@mt.gov.
The Montana Office of Public Instruction appreciates the continued partnership of Montana's postsecondary institutions in expanding dual credit opportunities and supporting student success across the state.
Montana OPI Partnership: Free Level All Access
What Level All Offers
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Comprehensive Content: 15,000+ short, engaging lessons on career pathways, college prep, apprenticeships, financial literacy, and workplace readiness.
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Guided Journeys: Interactive, self-paced plans that help students explore goals, complete checklists, and track progress.
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Educator Dashboards: Track student engagement, assign lessons, and access ready-made lesson plans and presentations.
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Safe, Ad-Free Environment: FERPA-compliant and built to protect student privacy.
Join an Introductory Webinar
If your district would like a deeper walkthrough, please consider joining one of our statewide introductory webinars hosted by Level All: Click this link and select from one of several date and time options.
During these sessions, we’ll demonstrate how Level All can:
- Support your school’s college and career readiness goals
- Simplify educator workflows and organize your Educator Dashboards
- Equip every student with tools to build their personalized postsecondary plan.
How to Get Started
Any Montana school can begin using Level All right away - no agreement required. Simply email montana@levelall.com to connect with the Level All team. From there, you can:
- Join any of the introductory webinars (if convenient),
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Schedule a quick demo to see how Level All works,
- Or jump straight into implementation with our Success Team, who will help you configure your Educator Dashboard, roster students, and begin assigning content.
Questions or Help Getting Started?
Contact: montana@levelall.com or visit www.levelall.com for more details
We’re excited to make this available to every Montana student and educator.
MIC3
The Montana Office of Public Instruction and the Montana Military Interstate Children's Compact (MIC3) Commission is now accepting Purple Star School Designation applications and Purple Star Champion nominations through October 31, 2026. Schools can earn the Purple Star designation by demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting military-connected students and families, while Purple Star Champions recognize the outstanding administrators, educators, school staff, and community members who go above and beyond to serve Montana's military families. Award recipients will be announced in November 2026.
Professional Development Opportunity
The MAST Virtual Teacher Cohort brings Montana educators together to learn from one another, strengthen instructional practice, and make better use of the information MAST provides.
Throughout the cohort, teachers will connect with colleagues from across the state, participate in interactive workshops, and have time to try new ideas in their own classrooms. Each session will build on the last, giving participants opportunities to reflect on what they are seeing in their MAST score reports, talk through challenges and misconceptions, and share what is working with other educators.
A key focus will be the connection between standards, instruction, and assessment. Teachers will dig into what students are expected to know and be able to do, consider the instructional decisions that help students get there, and use MAST results as one source of evidence to determine what students understand and where additional support may be needed.
The goal is not to treat standards, instruction, and assessment as three separate pieces of the work. Instead, we will look at how they inform one another and how teachers can use that connection to make purposeful decisions about planning, instruction, and next steps for students.
Because this is a cohort, the learning will continue between sessions. Participants will try strategies, bring their experiences back to the group, learn from one another, and refine their practice over time.
Join us to connect with Montana educators, dig deeper into your MAST results, and strengthen the connection between standards, instruction, and assessment in your classroom.
Fill out the interest survey here before September 30, 2026.
Questions? Contact Aimee Konzen at Aimee.Konzen@mt.gov
Montana AED Reimbursement Program
Application is OPEN!
In 2025, the Montana Legislature passed HB 869, (part of Title 10, Chapter 7, part 13, MCA) which appropriated a grant fund for school districts for reimbursement of the purchase and ongoing maintenance of automatic external defibrillators (AED).
The grant program shall provide a reimbursement of $1 for every $1 paid by a school district up to a maximum state contribution of $700 per AED. The funds will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis. AED maintenance and accessories can also be reimbursed.
Link to application: https://montanaopi.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0AGWD5T9icAyevY
Questions?
Christy Mock-Stutz, Assistant Chief Program Officer, christy.mock-stutz@mt.gov
Katie Bloodgood, Legislative Director, katie.bloodgood@mt.gov
The 65th Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) Scholarship application period closes soon on October 5!
Two students from Montana will be selected to receive one $12,500 scholarship each, along with a trip to Washington, D.C., March 6-13, 2027. Attending the entire Washington Week public service and leadership program and the college scholarship are one, inseparable award!
Applicants must:
- Be high school Juniors or Seniors.
- Be elected or appointed officers representing a constituency in student government, other school-based organizations, or community service organizations for the entirety of the 2026-2027 academic year.
- Reside in the state where they attend school to qualify.
The Montana application is available now on the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) US Senate Youth Program Scholarship webpage, and complete application packets must be submitted electronically by 11:59 pm, October 5, 2026.
Questions? Contact Kristen Bokovoy, USSYP Coordinator, at Kristen.Bokovoy2@mt.gov or 406-444-2417.
Evidence-Based Happiness for Educators - Fall Course
HFE flyer_MT section_ Fall 2026 (1).pdf
High Tiered Community of Practice
High Tiered Community of Practice in the Flathead Valley October 5-7. Registration is free and at the link below; please make sure to register prior to 10/1/2026. Attached is the agenda and we are so thankful to all that will be sharing their programs and expertise during the three days to support at-risk youth. OPI will pay for mileage and lodging (at the state rate) for one staff member per facility and/or LEA to attend. This is also a great way to use Title ID funds.
Fall High Tiered Community of Practice Registration Link
On October 9, the first-ever Superintendent School Safety Boot Camp will commence.
This six-session series, in partnership with the Montana Safe Schools Center, is designed to strengthen school leaders’ ability to Know, Assess, Prevent, Respond, Lead, and Recover from school safety challenges.
Held biweekly from October 9 through December 18, participants will explore comprehensive school safety, district preparedness, prevention and threat assessment, emergency response, crisis leadership, recovery and sustainability, and action planning. Participants will gain practical tools and strategies to lead safe, prepared, and resilient school communities.
Invitations and agendas will be sent in advance of the first session. A separate email with invitations and additional information will be sent, and sessions will also be recorded for those who are unable to attend.
Please be on the lookout for more information. If you are interested in participating, please email Dwight.Nelson@mt.gov.
Administrator School Safety Boot Camp Flyer Session.pdf
WIDA
In the next few months, we will begin the state level WIDA Access standard setting to update proficiency levels and scale scores for Montana. Due to this recent standard setting at the national level, we will be assembling a committee to assist us with standard setting at the state level. We encourage those interested to fill out the interest survey for participating in the committee is below.
https://forms.gle/7gc9mDEaWXRMPnhh7
Please reach out to Marisa Britton-Bostwick at 406-444-0794 or at Marisa.Britton-Bostwick@mt.gov with any questions.
VARIANCES TO STANDARDS
Applications for Variances to Standards are due October 12th.
Reminder: Your application will need to include district trustees' approved board minutes. Notify the OPI Accreditation Team if your meeting falls after the application deadline.
Resources:School Accreditation
Superintendent Hedalen Launches Montana Student Art Contest
HELENA, Mont. — Montana State Superintendent Susie Hedalen is excited to announce the launch of the Montana Student Art Contest, a new statewide program celebrating the creativity, talent, and artistic achievements of Montana students.
The contest is open to all Montana students in Kindergarten through Twelfth grade with the theme being “Montana Through Your Eyes.” Students are invited to submit original artwork for the opportunity to have their work displayed throughout the Office of Public Instruction building in Helena for one year.
“I am excited to launch the Montana Student Art Contest and showcase the incredible creativity of Montana students,” said Superintendent Susie Hedalen. “Our students have so many unique talents, and this is a great opportunity to recognize their hard work and creativity while showcasing their artwork at the Office of Public Instruction.”
Artwork will be selected in four grade divisions:
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Primary: Kindergarten–Grade 2
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Elementary: Grades 3–5
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Middle School: Grades 6–8
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High School: Grades 9–12
A panel of reviewers will evaluate submissions based on creativity, originality, artistic skill, and overall presentation. Selected students will receive a Certificate of Recognition from Superintendent Hedalen, and their artwork will be displayed throughout the OPI building in Helena for one year.
The Montana Student Art Contest is designed to encourage creativity, recognize student achievement, and highlight the incredible artistic talent of Montana students.
Submission guidelines, important dates, and application information will be available on the Montana Office of Public Instruction website.
Montana Student Art Contest 2027
Accreditation & Educator Preparation
Career, Technical and Adult Education
Coordinated School Health
Gifted and Talented
Indian Education for All
Montana Autism Education Project
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
School Finance
School Nutrition
Special Education
Standards, Instruction & Professional Learning
Title & Federal Programs
Traffic Education
 As a reminder the OPI has a legislative packet which can be found here: Summary of Legislation Related to K-12 Education
 FAA Adopt-A-School Program
For Schools Serving Students in Grades 3-5
The FAA Adopt-a-School Program connects FAA personnel with local schools to bring authentic aerospace learning and career exploration directly into the classroom.
During the 2026–2027 school year, participating FAA personnel will partner with selected schools in their local communities. Activities may include classroom visits, conversations with FAA professionals, career exploration, and support for aerospace-focused learning.
The program can complement science, STEM, technology, and career-readiness instruction while helping students learn about the wide variety of people and professions that keep our nation's aviation system moving.
Interested in bringing Adopt-a-School to your school?
LEARN MORE: www.faa.gov/adopt-a-school
Contact your FAA STEM AVSED point of contact to discuss opportunities in your area. A geographic contact list is available on the FAA STEM AVSED Contact Us page.
The FAA is Looking for Educators Like You!
Educators play a vital role in inspiring the next generation of aerospace professionals. By introducing students to aviation, engineering, drones, airport design, and aerospace careers, you can help students discover possibilities they may never have considered.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proud to support educators with engaging programs, hands-on learning experiences, and connections to aviation professionals that bring aerospace education and career exploration into classrooms and communities across the country.
Explore four ways to bring FAA aerospace education opportunities to your students during the 2026–2027 school year.
NEW: FAA Aerospace Workforce Educator Pilot Program
For Educators Serving Students in Grades 3-5
The FAA is excited to launch the Aerospace Workforce Educator Pilot Program for the 2026–2027 school year. This new initiative will provide a small group of educators with ready-to-use aerospace lessons, FAA engagement opportunities, and resources to help introduce students to aerospace careers.
Ten educators will participate in the inaugural pilot. Participating educators will receive:
- Six complete aerospace-themed lesson plans
- PowerPoint presentations, classroom materials and student activity worksheets
- Interactive review games
- Support from FAA staff throughout the school year
- Opportunities to connect classroom learning with aerospace workforce and career pathways
Participants will also have an opportunity to provide feedback that will help the FAA shape future educator engagement and aerospace workforce education efforts.
Interested in participating? Email 9-apl-faaeducation@faa.gov for additional details and information about joining the 2026–2027 pilot.
Airport Design Challenge
For K-12 Students
The Airport Design Challenge (ADC) invites K–12 students to explore aviation, engineering, and airport planning by designing their own airports using Minecraft™.
Working individually or collaboratively, students learn about airports, airport operations, engineering, and emerging technologies while applying STEM concepts through creative, hands-on activities.
ADC is available year-round, making it easy to incorporate into:
- STEM, engineering, technology, or geography classes
- After-school programs and clubs
- Career exploration activities
- Team projects
- Independent learning
The FAA also recognizes outstanding Airport Design Challenge projects and gives students opportunities to showcase their work.
READY TO START DESIGNING?
Visit www.faa.gov/adc to learn more and get started.
FAA ACE Academies
Summer Aerospace Experiences for Students
FAA co-sponsored Aviation and Career Education (ACE) Academies give students an opportunity to explore aviation and aerospace careers through hands-on activities, mentorship, and real-world experiences.
Working with aviation and community partners, ACE Academies connect students with professionals such as pilots, engineers, aircraft technicians, and air traffic controllers. Depending on the academy, experiences may include visits to aviation facilities, hands-on demonstrations, career exploration activities, and orientation flights.
SEE ACE ACADEMIES IN ACTION: Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2YAWR478Aw
FIND AN ACE ACADEMY: Visit www.faa.gov/education/ace_academy
Interested in Starting an ACE Academy?
The FAA can provide resources and guidance to organizations interested in bringing an ACE Academy to their community.
Email 9-apl-faaeducation@faa.gov to learn more about getting started.
Join Us: FAA Aerospace Education Open Forum
September 23, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. ET
Want to learn more about these programs and other opportunities to bring aerospace education into your classroom?
Join the FAA for an Aerospace Education Open Forum featuring information and resources from the FAA and national partners, including:
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP)
- Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
- Jamail Larkins of Aviation Start
Educators will have an opportunity to learn more about aerospace education programs, resources, and opportunities available to students.
REGISTER FOR THE OPEN FORUM
Webinar Registration – Zoom
We encourage you to register even if you cannot attend live. Registered participants will receive additional information and resources, including a recording of the forum.
Fall Stock Market Game
Registration is officially open for the Fall 2026 Montana Stock Market Game — and this year’s competition is bigger than ever, with $5,000 committed to prizes and awards for Montana students and educators.
Thanks to the generous support of Glacier Bancorp and its family of Montana banks, team registration is completely free — there’s no cost to your school.
How it works:
Starting October 5 through December 4 (nine weeks), student teams of 2–5 manage a virtual $100,000 investment portfolio using real-world market data. Along the way, students build skills in research, risk management, teamwork, and financial decision-making — with a required minimum of five stocks or mutual funds to encourage smart diversification.
More ways to win this year:
- Cash prizes for the top 5 teams (up to $500/team), plus $100 Visa gift cards for 6th–12th place
- Awards by class size (Class C through AA, plus Middle School) and most improved teams from mid-way point
- New awards encouraging diversified portfolios, investing fundamentals and sustaining engagement:
Top 3 Diversified Teams, $100 Visa gift card (Teams will qualify for this award by owning stocks, bonds, AND Mutual Funds on November 4th and December 4th.)
Glacier Grand Challenge (The top performing teams by percentage of increase the week of November 16-20, top 10 growing teams receive $100 Visa gift Card.)
Big Sky Market Masters (On 10/23, 11/13, and 12/4 we will award the top 3 teachers whose students have the highest average portfolio balance.)
- Teacher training with stipends, supported by Robinhood Markets
You’ll also get access to 1,000+ ready-to-use lesson plans, hands-on activities, and virtual events to bring investing and economics to life in your classroom.
Ready to register?
Visit stockmarketgame.org [us.list-manage.com] and click “Registration” in the upper right corner.
Questions? Reach out to Dax Schieffer at mcee@montana.edu.
Give your students $100,000 to invest and nine weeks to put their ideas to the test — let’s get your team in the game!
 McKenna Gregg, Communications Director
This newsletter is from The Montana Office of Public Instruction. Please encourage your friends and colleagues to sign up for this newsletter!
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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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