Education

Some of Montana’s largest school districts are moving forward with plans to open public charter schools. Applications for the proposed schools are now pending before the state Board of Public Education. It’s the result of one of two new charter school policies passed by state lawmakers this year.

The state’s labor department has hired Don Wetzel Jr. to strengthen its relationship and support to Montana’s Indigenous population. Wetzel Jr., who is Blackfeet, previously held a similar position with the state Office of Public Instruction.

Two Montana educators and a state lawmaker filed briefs in support of a new law seeking to create a system of public charter schools in the state.

As Montana schools struggle to fill classrooms with qualified educators, a growing number are turning to virtual teachers to fill the gap. But, online learning isn’t a great fit for every student, and some schools are struggling to balance student needs with the reality of the teacher shortage.

New statewide testing results show improvements in English and math scores for high schoolers, but student proficiency still lags behind most pre-pandemic benchmarks.

Montana has just launched a new program designed to track and rapidly share school threat information among school safety officials.

A district court judge earlier this week partially stalled state lawmakers’ plans to set up a new system of charter schools in Montana. The decision does allow the newly formed commission in charge of charter schools to begin meeting.

A Helena judge Wednesday temporarily blocked state education officials from approving new public charter schools in Montana.

Public comment on new rules for Montana’s Indian Language Preservation Program closes August 18. One state lawmaker is taking issue with part of the proposal.

A national education policy group has reversed course on its initial criticism of the University of Montana's elementary reading education program.