FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2025
Superintendent Hedalen and the Office of Public Instruction Announce Montana Reads Grant Awards to Support Evidence-Based Reading Instruction
Helena, MT –The Office of Public Instruction is proud to announce the release of the Montana Reads Grant Awards, designed to support districts in advancing literacy achievement through high-impact, evidence-based practices. Grant awards totaling $47.5 million across five years have been awarded to selected school districts across the state to fund comprehensive initiatives that strengthen reading instruction and support student learning.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen emphasized the transformative impact of this initiative:
"The Montana Reads Grant is a powerful investment in our students and educators, ensuring that evidence based literacy instruction reaches every corner of our state. By equipping teachers with the best resources, professional development, and ongoing support, we are building a foundation for lifelong learning and success. We commend the awarded districts for their commitment to literacy and look forward to the impact this initiative will have on Montana’s classrooms."
The MT Reads Grant focus on building educator capacity and enhancing instructional quality through:
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Professional Development in evidence-based literacy practices and the Science of Reading
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High-Quality Instructional Materials aligned with research-based strategies
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Coaching and Mentoring to support effective classroom implementation and continuous professional growth
The awarded districts demonstrated a clear commitment to improving literacy instruction, using data to inform practice, and ensuring that all students regardless of background, have access to effective reading instruction grounded in scientific research.
At the OPI, literacy experts will support Montana Reads Schools, provide resources on high-quality instructional materials, and offer professional development on the science of reading that will positively impact the entire state.
The OPI commends all districts for their commitment to literacy and encourages continued engagement in future opportunities.
For more information about the Literacy Grant program and a list of awarded districts, please visit https://opi.mt.gov/Educators/Teaching-Learning/MT-Literacy-Projects.
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Questions? Contact:
McKenna Gregg, Communications Director
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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