Superintendent Arntzen Announces Math Standards Revision Taskforce Members and Schedule

• Brian O'Leary
• May 24 2023

HELENA – Superintendent Arntzen is proud to acknowledge the members of the Montana Math Standards Revision Taskforce. The Montana Board of Public Education approved the opening of the decade-old Math Content Standards, housed in ARM 10.53.501 et seq., for review. The purpose of the standards review process is to assure that Montana public schools are setting high academic standards for all children of our great state. The goal is to serve our Montana students and educators with the best possible mathematics standards to guide instruction and prepare our students for their lives beyond the classroom. As these members are experts in Math and instructional delivery, a transparent process with parents, families, and community members will convene this summer.

“The Taskforce reflects the uniqueness of our great state,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “These education experts went through a vigorous application and review process before being selected to serve on the Taskforce. I am grateful for their expertise and their passion for our Montana students as they lead the effort of revising our Math Standards.”

The Taskforce is divided into six teams:

• Grades K-2 Development
  • Shay Kidd, Assistant Professor of Education, UM Western
  • Carla Swenson, Elementary STEM Teacher, Glasgow School District
  • Thomas Redmon, Math Specialist, Hamilton School District
  • Nicole Capser, Instructional Coach, Kalispell School District
  • Andrea Meiers, Curriculum Director, Lockwood School District and Assistant Professor, Rocky Mountain College
• Grades 3-5 Development
  • Lei-Anna Bertelsen, Mathematics Professional Learning Facilitator and Educational Consultant
  • Acer Pitas, Special Educator, Miles City School District
  • Elizabeth Burroughs, Mathematics Education Professor, MSU
  • Kris Gardner, Elementary Math Teacher, DeSmet School District
  • Melissa Shiffer, Elementary Teacher, Lambert School District
• Grades K-5 Review
  • Jenny Combs, Curriculum Consortium and Professional Development Provider
  • Kayla Ryan, Elementary Teacher, Helena School District
  • Amy Jones, Elementary Teacher, Forsyth School District
  • Becky Berg, K-6 Instructional Math Coach, Billings School District
• Grades 6-8 Development
  • Jennifer Brackney, Middle School Teacher, Billings School District
  • Matt Roscoe, Associate Professor of Mathematical Sciences, UM
  • Bill Becker, MIddle School Math Teacher, Ronan School District
  • Jennifer Luebeck, Professor of Mathematical Sciences, MSU
  • Tina Blair, Middle School Principal, West Valley School District
• Grades 9-12 Development
  • Cliff Bara, High School Math Teacher, Troy School District
  • Deanne Gemmill, Rocky Mountain College Instructor and Board Certified Teacher
  • Frederick Peck, Professor of Mathematics Education, UM
  • Marisa Graybill, Math Instructional Coach, Helena School District
  • Janice Novotny, High School Advanced Placement and Dual Credit Teacher, Big Timber School District
• Grades 6-12 Review
  • Pat Baltzley, Mathematics Instructional Coach and Consultant and Board Member, Gardner School District
  • LeAnne Lorenz, Middle School Teacher, Bozeman School District and Adjunct Professor, MSU
  • Sharon Carroll, Retired High School Math Teacher, Ekalaka School District
  • Brooke Taylor, High School Math Teacher, Billings School District
  • Lisa Scott, Mathematics Professional Learning Facilitator

All members of the Taskforce held an introductory meeting on May 16 and 18, 2023. The next scheduled meetings of the Taskforce are:

• June 16, 2023 – Research Review with all members from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM via Zoom
• July 19, 20, and 21 – Development Teams from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM in Helena
• August 3, 2023 – Review Teams from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM via Zoom