After careful review and comparison with Montana’s current standards, Superintendent Juneau recommended in May of this year that the Montana Board of Public Education adopt the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Math. These standards are higher and clearer than current standards. Today, the Board of Public Education officially adopted these standards.
“These new standards have the potential to fundamentally transform learning in the classroom. Their adoption will ensure that Montana students are ready to compete not only with their peers across the country, but globally,” said Juneau. “They give every student, no matter where they live, the opportunity to receive an education that will prepare them for college or to enter the workforce.”
Juneau continued, “These new standards are an accountability tool not only for teachers but for parents and students. It will be very clear what knowledge and skills a child is supposed to master at each grade level. I look forward to working with Montana teachers and administrators to implement these changes and provide our children with the best educational opportunities for future success.”
Due to its unique constitutional requirement, Montana is the only state to incorporate Indian Education for All into the new standards for English Language Arts and Math. These new standards will strengthen teachers’ ability to deliver IEFA content into the classroom.
The Common Core State Standards were developed by and for states in a voluntary effort led by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers, and Montana was a participant in the development of the standards. The standards are aligned with college and workforce expectations, are clear, understandable and consistent, include rigorous content and are evidence-based.
Implementation of Montana’s Common Core Standards will coincide with new tests being developed for use in the 2014-2015 school year, which will allow states to compare student scores from state to state.
