Susie Hedalen

The commission addressed several policy matters, including directing funds to legal counsel for the review of the special education model policy. The board formally adopted the authorizing authorizers policy, pre-approved standardized assessments, assessment administration plan requirements, and proposed choice school application refinements.

The board discussed public comments concerning the mass assessment, focusing on instructional challenges and proficiency metrics. The Montana Advisory Council on Indian Education presented on the placement of tribal flags in schools and discussed funding for indigenous education. Additionally, the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind provided a report covering personnel actions, including new hires and resignations, as well as approvals for out-of-state travel. The board also reviewed the creation of a new Human Resource Generalist position.

This public hearing concerned the amendment of administrative rules pertaining to early literacy targeted intervention standards and early childhood education standards. The hearing provided information on the administrative rule review process conducted by interim committees and the environmental quality council. Attendees were informed about how to submit written comments for the record, the role of the board of public education in the rulemaking process, and instructions for placement on a rulemaking interested persons list. No public testimony was provided during the hearing, and the record remained open for further written submissions.

The board received an update on the progress of the Community Choice Schools Commission, covering policy development, charter school application procedures, and the commission's annual report requirements. Key discussions included the commission's core values, the framework for assessing charter school applications, and strategies for handling student performance data. The board also noted the appointment of a new commission member and reviewed plans for future policy work, including upcoming discussions on school assessment standards.

The board discussed and approved the K-12 school payment schedule for fiscal year 2027. Additionally, an update was provided regarding the Community Choice Schools Commission's performance framework, which includes specific academic proficiency and growth measures, the use of approved assessment tools such as MAST and NWA MAP, and school environment indicators including staff retention and average daily attendance.