OPI's September 2024 Compass

Check out the Calendar of Events for our Unit's Weekly Office Hours, trainings, important deadlines, and more!

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year across our great state! Please watch Superintendent Arntzen's Back to School message.

The 2024 virtual Montana Aligned to Standards Through-Year (MAST) Fall Summit will take place on September 5, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. This virtual event will offer 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 will include:

• 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.

The summit will conclude with optional personalized assistance through office hours from 3:00-4:00 PM.

To register for the virtual MAST Summit, click here.

For more information, please contact Tressa Graveley, Assessment Specialist.

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.

The 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.

• A report of ESSER spending and compliances for each District will be sent in July to start the Close-Out Process.
• If you did not receive an email by July 15, 2024, check your spam and contact on of our experts on the ESSER Meet the Team page.

The ESSER team holds open office hours 6 days a week via Zoom, phone, email, text, and in-person to offer support to school districts.

ESSER Community Discussion:

On September 5, 2024, at 5:00 PM Superintendent Arntzen will host a community discussion for parents, teachers, school leaders, legislators, and community members on ESSER funds. The community discussion will include:

• 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

Join the meeting here.

Remember ESSER III deadline is on September 30, 2024.

The state-wide ESSER allocation through August 29, 2024, is:

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.

Law Books:

School Law Books are still available. Orders can be placed using the form here.

Education Law Issues Update:

• Legislation passed in 2023 now requires that a district receiving an out-of-district attendance application from a nonresident child “shall approve the application unless the trustees find that the impact of approval of the application will negatively impact the quality of education for resident pupils.” § 20-5-320(2)(e), MCA.
• Indian Education For All (IEFA) programs, which are rooted in state policy and the Montana Constitution’s educational goals, are the subject of legislation passed in 2023 that could impact a school district’s funding under § 20-9-329, MCA. IEFA also is the subject of litigation in the Yellow Kidney case, which recently was set for trial in September 2025.
• United States Department of Education regulations amending Title IX sex discrimination rules will take effect for much of the country, but not Montana and several other states, which are subject to the prior Title IX rules as they existed before the recent amendments.

Questions about how legislation, litigation, and regulations that may impact your specific situation should be referred your district legal counsel.

During the 68th Legislative session in 2023, the legislature passed HB 352 (20-7-18, MCA), providing for early literacy targeted interventions for eligible students. The Board of Public Education (BPE) and the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) are working closely with districts who are implementing jumpstart, home-based, and classroom-based early literacy targeted interventions for the upcoming school year. Here are key updates to implementation:

Jumpstart Programs (preliminary data):

• Preliminarily, at least 12 districts held jumpstart programs this summer.
• Over 500 students participated in summer jumpstart programs.
• Final participation numbers will be available later this fall.

 Home-based Programs (preliminary data):

• Districts have requested 960 licenses (Waterford early literacy program) for the homebased program in the school year (SY) 2024-2025.
• 37 districts will be participating in the home-based program during the SY2024-2025
• OPI has licenses available. Schools may request these licenses for eligible students through October.

 Classroom-based Programs:

• Programs are beginning this fall, and more data will be available in late fall.

 OPI’S EARLY LITERACY COLLABORATIVE

The focus of the OPI’s Early Literacy Collaborative is to provide guidance on the implementation of 20-7-18, MCA Early Literacy Targeted Interventions, including the summer jumpstart program, classroom-based program, and home-based program for eligible students. In addition, the Collaborative provided data and feedback to the Board of Public Education’s Early Literacy Advisory Council. The members of this collaborative have applied and been appointed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction to this nongoverning committee. The Collaborative held meetings every month through June 2024.

 PROGRAMMATIC SUPPORT

OPI’s two early literacy specialists, Jackie Ronning and Kimberly Evans, have been working to support schools during screening, preparing data, and supporting implementation. The team will be hosting an Early Literacy Professional Learning Series featuring specific early-literacy intervention topics. These hour-long sessions are virtual, and open to all Montana educators and are offered every two weeks through December. Read more information on the Early Literacy webpage.

DATA COLLECTION AND EVALUATION:

Trustees offering an Early Literacy Targeted Intervention shall closely monitor the program and report annually to the Superintendent of Public Instruction on the efficacy of the program no later than July 15, 2025.

This report must include anonymized information on student progress, including the student's performance on: the evaluation methodology for the program, any formative assessments administered, the evaluation methodology used at end of school year if administered, any statewide reading assessment data grade four through six.

The OPI will provide a submission tool for this annual reporting requirement that will be available for participating districts. The OPI will report to the Education Interim Committee by Sept 1^st. 

Data collections:

• AIM: Student enrollment in programs
  • This includes students who are eligible and who are enrolled (or not) in an intervention program at the district.
  • Calendar of summer jumpstart
  • Schools offering classroom-based
  • Students eligible for home-base
• Data efficacy reporting
  • Questions are already available for districts to know what data to collect.
  • Responses are due to OPI by July 15, 2025.
  • Draft questions are attached to this report
    • Data collection #1 is to be submitted by September 30, 2025
    • Data collection #2 will be submitted at the end of the school year

For more information, please contact Jackie Ronning, Early Literacy Coordinator, at jackie.ronning@mt.gov.

Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® is a program for schools Pre-K through university that intentionally promotes meaningful social inclusion by bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities to create accepting school environments utilizing three interconnected components: Special Olympics Unified Sports®, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement.

Interested in becoming a Unified Champion School? Scan the QR Code to complete the UCS Commitment Form and start the inclusion revolution in your school, district, and community! For questions, please contact Terri Norman, UCS Senior Director at tnorman@somt.org.

The National Archery in the Schools Program is an in-school program aimed at improving educational performance among students in grades 4 – 12. Students learn focus, self-control, discipline, patience, and the life lessons required to be successful in the classroom and in life.

FWP offered 18 NASP teacher trainings around MT last year. These trainings are a great opportunity for PE teachers to earn OPI renewal credits. 

For upcoming trainings, click here.

New Teacher Enrollment is Open for MentorMT 2024!

Are you, a colleague, or a staff member a new or underprepared teacher who is…

• Teaching in a rural school during their first or second year of teaching?
• Teaching outside their grade level or subject area endorsement?
• Teaching on a provisional license while working toward full licensure?
• Teaching under emergency authorization?
• Teaching through an international visa program?

MentorMT uniquely provides:

• One-to-one mentoring that addresses teachers’ needs and respects their time
• Experienced mentors assigned by aligned grade level and subject area
• A focus on content, curriculum, and instructional support that is non-evaluative
• No cost to schools and a $500 incentive stipend for participating teachers 
• Requisite high-quality mentoring as outlined in ARM 10.55.723

Teachers may self-enroll; administrators may enroll current or anticipated staff

*Priority enrollment for rural schools/districts*

Open enrollment now through September 15th

For information about benefits and the application link, go to: MentorMT 2024 – Mentee Enrollment Information [drive.google.com]

Questions? Contact Jennifer Luebeck, MentorMT Director Email jennifer.luebeck@montana.edu or call (406) 994-5341

Teacher of the Year:

Without our nation’s veterans, America wouldn't be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our veterans in creating and shaping America. What is the Teacher Award Program? Founded in 1899, the VFW highly supports the education of America’s youth. VFW and its Auxiliary have developed a slate of programs dedicated to helping America’s educators. VFW Citizenship Education programs stimulate interest in America’s history, traditions, Americanism, civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism. Teachers care deeply about America and its children. They’re concerned about the perpetuation of America’s noblest traditions and highest ideals. Wouldn’t you like to see them get the honor they deserve? Now you can. Why Should I Enter? VFW wants to identify and recognize America’s best educators who instill a sense of national pride in students. The national awards include $1,000 Smart/Maher award for each of the top K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 teachers for professional development expenses, $1,000 award for each winning teacher’s school, commemorative plaques and all-expense-paid trip to the VFW National Convention. Who is Eligible? All current certified/licensed teachers in grades K-12 are eligible. Previous national VFW winners are ineligible. Nominations can be submitted by themselves, fellow teachers, supervisors, family members or other interested individuals. Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects elementary, middle, and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program.

Teacher nomination entries must be received at a local participating VFW Post by the Oct. 31 deadline.

Who Is Eligible? 1. Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates for this award. For example, do you know a teacher who plans field trips to city hall or organizes community volunteer projects? Maybe you know an instructor who invites veterans into the classroom to discuss their military experiences. Perhaps you are familiar with a teacher who fosters the development of democratic values and beliefs through special projects. If you know of such a teacher, honor them today. 2. All current certified/licensed teachers in grades K-12 are eligible. Previous national winners are ineligible. Nominations can be submitted by themselves, fellow teachers, supervisors, family members or other interested individuals. Documentation Required for all Candidates: 1. All Post-level nominees should provide a one-page resume as a minimum or up to five pages, including the resume, as a maximum of documentation of their teaching experience (for example: resume, references, news articles, etc.) and a head-and shoulder photo of themselves, if available. These items will be forwarded on to the District, if applicable, and/or the Department with the winning teacher entry form.

Patriot's Pen:

Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000! 

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief.   Applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31 to Supporting VFW Post.

The 2024-25 theme is: "My Voice in America's Democracy?"

Voice of Democracy:

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31. 

The 2024-25 theme is: "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"

Life in the Land is a series of six films and over 40 podcast episodes that elevate the value of community-guided and collaborative approaches in Montana's rural communities. Hear from community leaders, ranchers, biologists, and more, as they show the connection between community well-being, landscape health, strong economies, and more. Find the full project at www.LifeintheLand.org [lifeintheland.org]. Featured regions include the Central Montana Plains, the Big Hole Valley, Seeley-Swan Region, Blackfeet Nation, the Mighty Few District of the Crow Nation, and the Upper Yellowstone River. 

This content touches on the following subjects: Social Studies, History, Civic Engagement & Democracy, Science & Environment, Agriculture, Engineering, Community Development, Language Arts, Native Culture & Society, and more. All content is free and available to be utilized in classrooms to kick-off deeper dialogue around the mentioned topics. The podcast episodes that accompany the films are found on the Stories for Action podcast series [lifeintheland.org], and are a great format for take-home assignments, allowing students to take a deeper dive into a specific topic. 

The Life in the Land team can provide a free Lesson Plan to accompany any of the films. We also offer residencies or school visits, hosted by Project Director & filmmaker Lara Tomov [storiesforaction.org] or other Life in the Land team members. These residencies can be customized for the group and location, but can include: technical support for a film screening, a facilitated discussion after the film, and a Story Workshop. These workshops include elevating the student's own story or experience through various mediums, from verbal to written to film, as well as entry level training of film production, to include hands-on camera, audio, and lighting training. If you would like to utilize this project in your classroom or inquire about a residency, please reach out to Lara Tomov at info@storiesforaction.org. 

Life in the Land is produced by Stories for Action [storiesforaction.org], Iron Shield Creative [ironshieldcreative.com], and other statewide partners [lifeintheland.org] including watershed group leaders, ranchers, and education professionals.

The U.S. Department of Education has a Student Performing Arts Initiative (SPAI) and maintains an ongoing repository of student performing arts talent, which may be matched to specific events that amplify the mission and initiatives of the Department -- we have received many talent submissions from far and wide and want to make sure all states and territories are represented!

As such, the Department is issuing a 2024-25 Back-to-School call across the United States and its territories for student performing artists who are currently enrolled in institutions of elementary, secondary, or post-secondary education or accredited trade schools, who exemplify resilience, diversity, and excellence and are interested in showcasing their talent, virtually or in-person, at internal and external Department-hosted events.

The Department is seeking student performances such as, but not limited to, bands/marching bands, color guards, soloists, choirs, dancers, poets/spoken word artists, National Anthem singers, and theatrical performers. 

We also are seeking specific talent to support National Hispanic Heritage Month (September), National Disability Employment Awareness Month (October), National Native American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month (November).

Please utilize this link [cvent.me], for additional information that includes Frequently Asked Questions, submission instructions, and other related guidance. 

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete your submission and/or answer any related questions, please email studentart@ed.gov.