State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen Establishes Negotiated Rulemaking Committee for English Language Arts and Literacy Standards Revision
HELENA - Superintendent Elsie Arntzen has opened the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee (NRC) on revisions to the English Language Arts (ELA) and Literacy Content Standards. The negotiated rulemaking process is required by § 20-7-101, MCA, when changes to school accreditation and content standard rules occur. The ELA and Literacy Content Standards are housed in 10.53.4 of the Administrative Rules of Montana. The NRC will assess the potential economic impact of these rule changes, as required by § 2-4-405, MCA, including a survey to Montana stakeholders to understand the expected costs associated with the revisions.
“Our reading standards were last updated over a decade ago,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “Montana’s most recent assessment scores showed that only 44% of our 3-8 grade students are proficient in reading. Revising these teaching and learning standards will build a stronger foundation for academic success.”
The revision process began in March 2024, with an initial review of the current Montana Content Standards. An appointed task force engaged in professional learning, including a thorough review of evidence-based approaches to reading, writing, and literacy instruction provided by the Regional Education Laboratory Northwest. The goal of the ELA Content Standards revisions is to ensure simplicity, clarity, and practicality for Montana educators, children, and families that ensure a strong foundation in literacy skills for all students.
Beginning in January 2025, the NRC will meet to reach a consensus on revisions to the standards. This public process can be observed by visiting the ELA revisions homepage, where meeting agendas, recordings, and rule proposals will be available for public viewing. Upon completion of the negotiated rulemaking process, the Superintendent of Public Instruction will present a recommendation for the adoption of the proposed content standards to the Board of Public Education.
The Negotiated Rulemaking Committee for English Language Arts and Literacy includes the following members who applied to be a member of the committee and fulfill the required roles:
- Justine Alberts; Helena – K-12 School Administrator, Parents, Taxpayers
- Nicole Simonsen; Culbertson – K-12 School Administrators
- Tawny Cale; Great Falls – K-12 Educator, MT Tribe Representative
- Jodi Carlson; Billings – Higher Education Faculty
- Clifton Grilley; Power – Parents
- Janelle Beers; Dillon – Parents, Taxpayer, K-12 Educator
- Barbara Frank; Missoula – K-12 Administrator, Parents, Taxpayers
- Crystal Kain; Polson – K-12 School Administrators, K-12 Teachers, Parents
- Erin Ellis; Missoula – School Administrator, K-12 Educator
- Logan Brower; Boulder – K-12 Educator
- Sue Corrigan; Kalispell – School District Trustees, K-12 Teachers, Parents, Taxpayers
- Jacie Jeffers; Billings – K-12 Educator, MT Tribe Representative
- Christy Mock-Stutz; Helena – OPI
- Marie Judisch; Ledger – OPI
- OPEN; School Business Official
OPI is still actively recruiting a school business official to serve as a part of the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee. To apply, please click here.
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