State of Montana Newsroom
US Department of Education Denies Montana's Local Control Assessment Waiver
“U.S. Department of Education Denies Montana’s Local Control Assessment Waiver”
April 7, 2021
HELENA- After two months of waiting and three calls discussing Montana’s February 5, 2021 proposal of using local assessments to replace the federally mandated statewide test, Ian Rosenblum, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Programs at the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) sent a letter denying Montana’s request. The Montana plan for local testing included 30 days of public comment and was supported by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, the Montana American Indian Caucus, the Board of Public Education, Representative Rosendale, Senator Daines, and the Montana Federation of Public Employees.
“In Montana we work for our students and families,” stated State Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “Statewide mandated testing from the federal government misses the mark of putting our Montana students first. Montana is not alone in the pursuit of maximum flexibilities and providing opportunities to assess at the local level. Our proposal was to use local assessments for accountability rather than adding another layer of federal testing.”
As a result of this denial, the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI)’s adaptations for assessment include a shortened version of the statewide test, extended testing windows, and student medical exemptions. No student is expected to be brought into in-person learning for the sole purpose of taking the statewide assessment. The OPI through the federal Every Students Succeeds Act (ESSA) accountability system did secure a separate waiver on the 95 percent testing participation rate. No school will receive sanctions for testing fewer students. The primary focus must be on student educational needs, prioritizing instruction, and decision making nearest the student.
Supporting Documents:
Senator Daines: Letter of Support 3/18/2021
Congressman Rosendale: Letter of Support 2/26/2021
Governor Greg Gianforte: Letter of Support 1/19/2021
Montana Tribal Caucus: Letter of Support
MT Board of Public Education: Letter of Support 1/29/2021
MT Federation of Public Employees: Letter of Support 4/1/2021
Superintendent Arntzen: MT Strategic Waiver Request 2/5/2021
US Department of Education Response Letter: 4/6/2021
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Contact:
Sarah Swanson, Chief of Staff, 406-475-2037