Background

The Montana Board of Public Instruction held a meeting on July 17, 2002 to, among other things, identify potential goals for a 5-year strategic plan. The meeting involved the participation of state board members, the chief state school officer, legislators, and representatives from the lieutenant governor, higher education, local school boards, teacher unions, school administrators, and others. Following is an outline of the potential goals to be included in the 5-year strategic plan, general objectives and issues to be considered, partners interested in working with the board to refine these goals, and a timeline for completing the strategic plan.

Goals

Goal 1: Ensure that all school districts successfully implement and meet Montana's education standards

1.1 Provide technical assistance and support school districts in their efforts to meet high education standards.

1.1a Alignment of curriculum to revised Montana content standards.
1.1b Development and implementation of district/school five-year plans.
1.1c Provide regional service delivery.

1.2 Provide technical assistance and support school districts in their efforts to close achievement gaps.

1.3 Provide technical assistance and support school districts in their efforts to increase graduation rate.

1.3a Insure accurate reporting of dropout data.
1.3b Identify/disseminate best practices and alternative/innovative methods to prevent dropouts.

1.4 Address the needs of high poverty and other low performing school districts.

1.4a Identify means to improve recruitment and retention of quality staff members in high poverty/low performing schools.
1.4b Work toward better allocation and use of adequate resources to implement local continuous improvement plans.
1.4c Implement quality program of technical assistance and support for low performance schools (LPS).

1.5 Capitalize on E-learning strategies to achieve high education standards.

1.5a Develop a system to provide and deliver quality professional development.
1.5b Deliver expanded course offerings to Montana's students (remedial/regular).
1.5c Increase percentage of students accessing core curriculum and/or advanced placement courses through distance programs.

1.6 Develop joint/coordinated strategies between the Board and the Office of Public Instruction.

1.6a Improve professional development opportunities and coordinate these opportunities for effective utilization.
1.6b Develop improved data collection system and management to "support a culture of results."
1.6c Adopt and implement quality assessment plan for Montana education with ongoing evaluation component.
1.6d Promote and support successful implementation of 20-1-501.

Interested Partners: MTSBA, MEA-MFT, OPI

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Goal 2: Ensure that Montana public schools have a highly qualified workforce.

2.1 Development and implement a comprehensive strategy for the recruitment and retention of highly qualified teachers, administrators, pupil services personnel, and other school staff.

2.1a Identify current and potential areas of personnel shortage.
2.2b Develop programs/systems to alleviate personnel shortages.
2.2c Actively support necessary legislation.

2.2 Coordinate with Higher Education the development of a system that streamlines preparation, certification, and professional development programs for school personnel, including alternate paths for certification.

2.3 Diversify education workforce with particular attention to the recruitment of American Indian teachers.

Potential Partners: Higher Education, OPI, MEA/MFT

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Goal 3: Create clear pathways for students to become life-long learners (needs definition).

3.1 Define needs for life-long learning.

3.2 Articulate a vision to guide the development of pathways for life-long learning in collaboration with higher education, business, and labor.

3.3 Create awareness of and opportunities for students to pursue different pathways to learning.

3.4 Identify strategies and resources for supporting people in transition.

3.5 Explore the role of the Board in the development and implementation of early childhood policies and programs.

Potential Partners: Higher Education, MACIE Mark Simonich: Department of Commerce

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Goal 4: Work toward the adequate funding of a quality Montana public education system to ensure that students and schools achieve/perform to high academic standards.

4.1 Determine the cost of adequately funding a quality education system.

4.2 Lead discussion on the importance and link between education, economic development, and social/civic well-being

4.3 Ensure effective and efficient use of current and future resources supporting public education.

Potential Partners: All present at the retreat.

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Amended Timeline

November 14-15, 2002: Refine goals and develop message about the importance of a 5-year strategic plan.
November 30, 2002: Distribute for public comment
January 8-9, 2003: Hold a public meeting.
January-February, 2003: Incorporate input, refine plan.
March 13-14, 2003: Adopt plan.

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