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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19th, 2025
Contact: McKenna Gregg, Montana Office of Public Instruction
Superintendent Susie Hedalen Announces a $10 million Education in Innovation Research Grant awarded to Montana Office of Public Instruction
HELENA, Mont.—Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen announced that the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) has received an almost $10 million federal Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Program grant over five years to expand early literacy supports across the state.
The funding will scale Montana’s Science of Reading and Early Literacy Targeted Intervention work, with a focus on improving literacy outcomes in rural, tribal, and other high-needs schools through proven, evidence-based strategies.
This grant represents a major investment in what we know works. By expanding high-impact tutoring, strengthening classroom instruction, and engaging families as partners, we are taking decisive action to ensure every Montana child has the opportunity to become a confident, capable reader.”
The grant will support high-impact tutoring for students in grades 1–3, providing virtual, one-on-one instruction with certified teachers trained in evidence-based literacy practices. Students will receive tutoring three times per week for 30 minutes, using individualized learning plans based on ongoing student data to target foundational skills and comprehension.
Educators in participating schools will receive professional learning in evidence-based reading instruction, including the Science of Reading, to support effective core instruction and a multi-tiered system of supports. OPI will also provide training and tools to help educators use student data to monitor progress and align instruction across intervention levels.
The initiative also emphasizes family engagement, expanding opportunities for parents and caregivers to support early literacy development and increasing awareness of their children’s literacy progress.
For eligible schools interested in participating, we will have more information in the new year.
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