OPI Summary of Activities

Highlights of State Superintendent Linda McCulloch's Activities

May Highlights
Submitted by Kima Rosling on 5/30/08.

Participated in the Board of Public Education Meeting

Participated in Monthly Land Board meeting

Participated in Numerous National and Montana TV, Radio and Newspaper Interviews

Participated in Weekly Executive Briefings with Deputy Superintendent and Chief of Staff

Participated in the University of Montana Education Building Ground Breaking Ceremony

Voted in School Elections

Welcomed the Indian Education for All Best Practices Conference

Addressed the Jobs for Montana's Graduates awards Luncheon

Met with Representatives of Blue Cross/Blue Shield

Swore in School Trustees for the Helena and East Helena School Districts

Participated in an Internet Safety Press Conference with Attorney General Mike McGrath

Met with National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) Test Representative, Judy Catchpole

Participated in the Annual Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure

Addressed K-12 Education in the Governor's Workforce Policymakers' Session of the Governor's Workforce Conference

Met with Teachers from Kyrgyzstan

Attended the Lewis and Clark Elementary School's (Missoula) Grand Opening of the Peace Path

Addressed the Migrant Education Program Conference Lunch

For more information, contact Kima Rosling, 406-444-5658.

Important Dates

Summer 2008
Submitted by Jackie Boyle on 6/3/08.

JUNE
6th Fruits and Vegetables Mini-grant Due (see Health Enhancement)

16th IDEA Grant Application Available (see Information Technology)

16th ESEA Grant Application Available (see Information Technology)

16th-20th MBI Summer Institute, Bozeman (see Special Education)

20th May School Nutrition Claim for Reimbursement Due (see Health Enhancement)

25th AIM End of Year Collection Closes (see Measurement & Accountability)

30th Title I Part A Final Program Report Due (see Education Opportunity)

30th Apple Computer Recycling Ends (see Information Technology)

30th Second Semester Transportation Payments Due (see School Finance)

JULY
10th Traffic Education TEO6 Year End Report Survey Due (see Health Enhancement)

18th AYP Determinations Sent to Schools (see Superintendent's Office)

AUGUST
1st Traffic Education TE01 Program Applications Due (see Heath Enhancement)

4th Carl Perkins Applications Available (see Information Technology)

5th Deadline for AYP Determination Appeals to OPI (see Superintendent's Office)

4th-7th Montana Reading Institute, Helena (see Education Opportunity)

12th-13th Full Time Kindergarten Conference, Billings (see Superintendent's Office
)
12th-14th Montana Mentor Institute, Billings, (see Special Education)

18th Final AYP Determinations Mailed to Schools (see Superintendent's Office)

21st Public Release of AYP Determinations (See Superintendent's Office)

28th Traffic Education Reimbursement (see Health Enhancement)
For more information, contact Jackie Boyle, 444-3559.

Office of the State Superintendent

Full Time Kindergarten Conference- Billings, August 12-13
Submitted by Jackie Boyle on 6/2/08.

Registration for the Office of Public Instruction's 2008 Full-Time Kindergarten Conference, "Promising Practices", is available online.

For conference information, registration, and hotel information please go to http://www.opi.mt.gov/superintendent/kindergartenconf.html There is no registration fee for the conference. Space may be limited.

The conference will be held August 12-13 in Billings at the Billings Hotel and Convention center. Kindergarten teachers new and experienced will learn how to integrate model curriculum and promising practices into their classrooms. Administrators will discuss their experiences, exciting and challenging, implementing full-time kindergarten.
For more information, contact Canon Luerkens, 444-5643.

Montana Statement on the Reauthorization of the ESEA
Submitted by Jackie Boyle on 6/2/08.

Montana is again leading the nation, this time in relation to No Child Left Behind and the legislation that should replace it. A few weeks ago, key education stakeholders wrote a Montana unified statement on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to fix the seven major flaws of No Child Left Behind.

While a few other State Superintendents have issued a position paper on NCLB, Montana issued a joint statement on behalf of the OPI and the leadership of these groups:
• MEA-MFT
• School Administrators of Montana
• Montana School Boards Association
• Montana PTA
• Montana Rural Education Association
• Montana Board of Public Education

No other state has brought together a broad cross-section of the education community in agreement. We hope this will inspire other states to replicate our statement, so the educational community can lead Congress when reauthorization is up next year.

To view the statement, go to http://opi.mt.gov/PDF/Superintendent/0408_Unified%20Statement.pdf
For more information, contact Rusty Harper, 444-3449.

2011 Biennium Budget Request for the 2009 Legislative Session
Submitted by Madalyn Quinlan on 6/2/08.

On May 1, Superintendent Linda McCulloch submitted budget requests to the Governor's Office for the upcoming Legislative Session. This budget submittal is the first step in the budgeting process for state fiscal years 2010 and 2011. The total general fund request for distribution to K-12 schools is $169.8 million for the 2011 biennium. To view the list of budget items requested by the OPI go to http://www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/superintendent/K_12_EPP.pdf

These proposals include increases that are required by law (present law adjustments), annual inflationary increases for all state payments to schools, and new proposals to recruit and retain quality educators and to provide instructional and support services to students.
For more information, contact Madalyn Quinlan, 444-3168.

2008 Timeline for Release of AYP Determinations
Submitted by Madalyn Quinlan, Chief of Staff on 6/2/08.

Prior to the start of the 2008-2009 school year, the Office of Public Instruction will release Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) determinations as required by federal law under the No Child Left Behind Act. As part of the AYP process, the Office of Public Instruction sends proposed AYP determinations to school districts. This is followed by a two-week appeals period during which time school districts may appeal their proposed determinations by submitting statistical information and evidence to justify any change in the proposed determinations.

The OPI plans to send the proposed AYP determinations to school districts on July 18. The mailing will be sent to the district Authorized Representative. The deadline for school districts to request an appeal is August 5. The planned date for mailing final AYP determinations to schools is August 18, 2008.

The public release of AYP determinations will be August 21, 2008.
For more information, contact Nancy Coopersmith, Asst. Superintendent, 406-444-5541.

Accreditation

Five-Year Comprehensive Education Plan
Submitted by Willy Schauman on 6/2/08.

Update On Re-Design of Five-Year Comprehensive Education Plan (5YCEP)
Planning continues on the re-design of the Five-Year Comprehensive Education Plan (5YCEP). The programming of the data collection pages has begun and will continue throughout the summer months. In the meantime, OPI Division Leaders and Administrators will be meeting to organize the data into ways in which it can be used by districts/schools for continuous education improvement.

Later this summer members of the education community will be invited to share their ideas and input in the process. After testing, pilot schools will begin using the program early in the fall with full rollout expected in December, 2008.
For more information, contact Willy Schauman, 406.444.0716.

Call for Nominations - A Working Conference June 23-27, 2008
Submitted by Jackie Boyle on 6/2/08.

The Office of Public Instruction (OPI) is calling for Montana educators to convene in a working conference to develop the Essential Learning Expectations (ELE) for K-12 Science, Information Literacy/Library Media and Technology. The event is scheduled for June 23-27, 2008, in Billings, Montana at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Travel, lodging, and per diem expenses, as well as an honorarium of $150 per day for team members, is being offered to those educators working to develop the OPI Essential Learning Expectations for K-12 Science, Information Literacy/Library Media and Technology.

Invited attendees will craft essential learning expectations that include specific content knowledge, abilities, and skills that students "must know and do" at the end of each grade in each content area.

All participating ELE Working Conference team members are invited to attend the MREA Conference on June 23-24 at a reduced registration fee. The MREA Conference registration and program information are available online at http://www.mrea-mt.org
To submit nominations, or for more information, contact Donna Waters by telephone, (406) 444-3114 or e-mail, dwaters@mt.gov or Chris Olszewski by telephone, (406) 405-2608 or e-mail, chris@gtccmt.org.
For more information, contact Donna Waters, 444-3114.

Assessment

Check out May JUMP newsletter
Submitted by Judy Snow on 6/2/08.

The May issue of JUMP, the OPI electronic assessment newsletter, is online: http://www.opi.mt.gov/PUB/PDF/Assessment/NewsLetters/May08JUMP.pdf

Included, you will find the MARS schedule (page 3) and the schedule for ELP materials (page 5).
For more information, contact Judy Snow, 444-3656.

Career Technical & Adult Education

Sample Notice of Non-discrimination for CTE
Submitted by TJ Eyer on 6/2/08.

The Department of Education's Career and Technical Education Guidelines require that prior to the beginning of each school year, a local agency (school district) shall issue an appropriate public announcement (e.g., in a local newspaper or its program bulletin) which advises students, parents, employees, and the general public that career and technical education opportunities will be offered without regard to race, national origin, sex, or disability. The public announcement shall contain the name, address, and telephone number of the person(s) designated to coordinate Title IX and Section 504 compliance activities. If the service area of the local agency contains a community of persons with limited English language skills, then the promotional materials and information shall be distributed to the community in its native language.

The following sample notice of nondiscrimination meets the minimum requirements of the regulations enforced by the Office for Civil Rights. Additional sample announcements can be found on the Civil Rights page of the OPI Web site, http://www.opi.mt.gov/PDF/CivilRights/SampleStatemnt.pdf
For more information, contact Bev Marlow, 444-3172.

Big Sky Pathways Summer Institute Trainings 2008
Submitted by Brad King on 6/2/08.

Big Sky Pathways Summer Institute Trainings 2008

Business Management & Information Systems
June 16th – June 20th Great Falls COT
Environmental & Agricultural Systems
June 23rd – June 27th Kalispell
Health Sciences
June 23rd – July 3rd MT Tech – Butte
Industrial Manufacturing & Engineering Systems
June 9th – June 13th MSU – Northern Havre
June 16th – June 20th UM – Helena COT
For more information, contact Brad King, 444-4451.

Educational Opportunity & Equity Division

Title I Part A Final Program Report
Submitted by BJ Granbery on 6/2/08.

The Title I Final Program Report for fiscal year 2007-2008 is being mailed to all districts that receive Title I Part A funds. This report is due to OPI by June 30, 2008.

The report has changed, so please read all Directions/Instructions before starting. The report is on the OPI website at http://www.opi.mt.gov/PDF/TitleI/08FinalReport.pdf and may be completed and submitted electronically by hitting the green "Submit" button. Or you may fax the report to 406-444-3924, Attn: Gwen Smith.
A signed hardcopy of the first page does not have to be sent to us when submitting online.

1. The only page of the report most districts will need to complete is the "Full-time Equivalents" area on page 4. Districts that have Targeted Assistance schools must complete this area with appropriate numbers. If all schools in the district are Schoolwide programs, complete the page with zeros.

2. ONLY submit numbers for Private/Nonpublic and/or Neglected students on pages 2 and 3. All other student participation information is now collected through AIM. If the district has no services to Private/Nonpublic or Neglected students, complete with zeros.

3. The Title I office needs a completed report for each Legal Entity district participating in the project (use separate reports if there are both elementary and high school districts and both participated in Title I; use one report for a K-12 Legal Entity).

Please submit your report(s) by June 30, even if your report(s) contains all zeros.
For more information, contact Gwen Smith, 444-5660.

Lessons Learned from First Year Teachers
Submitted by National Comprehensive Center for Teacher Quality on 6/2/08.

Public Agenda and the National Comprehensive Center for Teacher Quality recently released research that points to two specific areas where teacher training may be lacking, according to rookie teachers in the trenches and fresh from training: preparedness for the diversity of the contemporary American classroom and teaching students with special needs.

This final report of the "Lessons Learned" series, "Teaching in Changing Times," focuses on the strengths and possible deficits of the training new teachers say they receive. The new report and complete questionnaire are available at http://www.publicagenda.org/lessonslearned3/pdfs/lessons_learned_3.pdf
For more information, contact Ron Lukenbill, 406-444-2080.

Montana Reading Institute- August 4-7, Helena
Submitted by Jackie Boyle on 6/2/08.

The 2008 Montana Reading Institute will be held August 4-7 in Helena at the Carroll College campus. This year's Institute will feature keynote presenters Jill Jackson and Frank Smith.

For a full agenda and regsitration visit http://eu.montana.edu/mri
For more information, contact Debbie Hunsaker, 444-0733.

Families and Learning Conference
Submitted by Terry Teichrow on 6/2/08.

Ready Montana: Partnering for Our Children

The Families and Learning conference will take place in Missoula on August 7 and 8, 2008, at the Hilton Garden Inn. More information is available at the following link: www.montanapirc.com/Upcoming_Events/2008-conference.php

Speakers include: T. Berry Brazelton, Joshua D. Sparrow, Bliss Browne, Anna Whiting Sorrell.

Topics include: Early Learning and School Readiness; Networking; Parent Leadership; School-Family-Community Partnerships

Intended Audience: K-12 educators, administrators, early childhood professionals, public officials, social service professionals, health care providers, public health professionals and family members from around the state.

Sponsored by Montana PIRC (Parent Information Resource Center), WORD Inc., CSPD Region V, Office of Public Instruction and the Head Start Collaboration.
For more information, contact Jennifer Calder, 406-543-3550 x 217.

Health Enhancement and Safety

Increased Access to Fruits and Vegetables in Schools Mini-Grant Program
Submitted by Christine Emerson on 5/30/08.

This grant opportunity is geared to schools that are interested in increasing access to fruits and vegetables in school vending machines, snack bars, stores, or concessions.

Three(3) $1,000 mini grants will be available through support from the Montana Nutrition and Physical Activity Program and the Montana Association of School Superintendents.

Applications are due by June 6, 2008 and funds must be spent by December 31, 2008. The application is available at: www.opi.mt.gov/schoolfood/index or www.montana.edu/mtnapa.
For more information, contact Katie Bark, (406) 994-5641.

School Food Service Conference – June 24-26, 2008
Submitted by Christine Emerson on 5/30/08.

The Montana School Nutrition Association/OPI School Nutrition Programs Summer School Food Service Conference will take place in Billings on June 24-26, 2008.

This three-day conference provides high-quality professional development opportunities for directors, managers, supervisors, cooks, and assistants. The conference also features a vendor trade show and the opportunity for managers to network with peers from around Montana.
For more information, contact Julie Leister, (406) 541-7782 .

Montana DRIVE Summer Workshops in Lewistown June 9 to August 15, 2008
Submitted by Fran Penner-Ray on 5/30/08.

Register soon for a one-day Montana DRIVE workshop in Lewistown. Montana DRIVE in-vehicle exercises are based upon the situations that cause most types of crashes in Montana. These include off-road recovery, cornering, controlled emergency braking, evasive steering, skid control, and a new exercise in a specially equipped Skid-Monster vehicle that combines vision, targeting, braking/accelerating transition and vehicle balance.

Montana DRIVE workshops are $260 and are limited to 12 participants who spend 2 hours in-class and 7 hours behind the wheel. Montana DRIVE workshops have provided advanced driver training since 1979.

E-mail registration requests to: montanadrive@mt.gov or call (406) 444-4432 The 2008 summer schedule, online requests for registration and additional information are available through our web site: http://www.opi.mt.gov/DRIVE .
For more information, contact Fran Penner-Ray, 406-444-4432.

School Nutrition Programs Claim for Reimbursement – June 20, 2008
Submitted by Christine Emerson on 5/30/08.

The May Claim for Reimbursement must be submitted by June 20 to be paid. Combine May and June claim information if June has less than 10 serving days.
For more information, contact Sofia Janik , (406) 444-2521 .

School Discipline Reports are Due June 30
Submitted by Marion Erp on 5/30/08.

All public schools in Montana are required to submit school discipline data by June 30, 2008. The electronic application has been open all year for ongoing data entry as incidents occur.

ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION TO OPI IS NOW OPEN. School discipline data must be reported for all incidents that occur between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008. Incidents which should be reported are the following:
--incidents of out-of-school suspensions or expulsion, regardless of the length of time, for any enrolled student;
--incidents of weapons, drugs or violence in which the perpetrator is a non-student (someone not enrolled in the school, such as a former student or dropout); and
--in-school suspensions of a student with disabilities only.
Things to remember: a report must still be submitted even if there are no incidents. The "No incidents to report" box must be checked. Also, after entering the data, please remember to hit the Submit button. School data will go to the district, and when the district has all their schools collected, the Submit button will send the data to OPI. Do not hit the Submit button before you have entered ALL of your out-of-school AND in-school (if any) data, because once one set has been submitted, you will be locked out of the other, without a phone call to OPI to unsubmit.
All information concerning school data collection can be found on the following web page: http://www.opi.mt.gov/schooldisciplinedc/index.html . Of particular use are the worksheets to help you gather discipline information for entry into the electronic system, and the 2008 Glossary which provides definitions of all codes needed.
PLEASE NOTE: To access the electronic application to enter your data, you must go through the CITRIX/IRIS portal (available from OPI's home page). User names and passwords are those mailed to the school district authorized representatives, or check with your school superintendent.
For more information, contact Marion Erp, 406-444-1951.

Two Montana Schools Receive HealthierUS School Challenge Gold Awards in Spring 2008
Submitted by Christine Emerson on 5/30/08.

Congratulations to Ponderosa Elementary School in Billings and Hawthorne Elementary School in Bozeman for receiving the well-deserved Gold Level HealthierUS School Challenge Awards. Only two other Montana schools have received this coveted award.

The HealthierUS School Challenge awards schools which excel in creating healthy school environments. The three main categories are 1) healthy menu planning which meets the 2005 Dietary Guidelines; 2) nutrition education in the cafeteria, classrooms, and community; and 3) ample opportunities for students to be physically active at school.

These award winning schools will be serving their respective gold award-winning menu to each of the elementary schools distric-wide, so that all Billings and Bozeman area students will reap the rewards of healthy school meals.
Information about the HealthierUS School Challenge can be found at http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/HealthierUS/index.html
For more information, contact Molly Stenberg , (406) 994-7217 .

A Toolkit to Prevent Bullying
Submitted by Susan Court on 5/30/08.

The Eyes On Bullying Toolkit provides specific insights, strategies, activities, and resources to address bullying. It is designed especially for pre-school and elementary children and includes colorful posters and user-friendly teacher resources.

The FREE 39-page toolkit is available for downloading at the website: http://www.eyesonbullying.org .
For more information, contact Susan Court, 406-444-3178.

Recess Before Lunch Survey is Complete with Positive Results and Useful Information
Submitted by Christine Emerson on 5/30/08.

School Nutrition Programs extends its gratitude to all of the administrators who completed the Recess Before Lunch online survey last winter.

Approximately 200 school administrators responded to the survey which yielded positive results and useful implementation tips. The information obtained from the survey will assist School Nutrition Program staff with providing technical assistance to schools inquiring about a recess before lunch practice in the future.
School Nutrition Programs plans to develop a short summary report from the survey results and will post it on the School Nutrition Programs website (http://www.opi.mt.gov/schoolfood/recessBL.html) this fall.
For more information, contact Molly Stenberg , (406) 994-7217.

2008 MSU School Food Service Cooking School – August 5-7, 2008
Submitted by Christine Emerson on 5/30/08.

The MSU School Food Service Cooking School will be held August 5-7, 2008 at the Bozeman campus.

This 3-day hands-on cooking school is designed to provide a professional development opportunity to help school food service personnel prepare delicious and healthy school meals in a cost-effective manner.
The cost (including room and board) is $350.00 per person; attendance is limited to 20 participants. The cost is reduced for participants who do not need room and board.
For more information, contact Katie Bark, (406) 994-5641.

Traffic Education Reports Due July 10 for August Reimbursement
Submitted by Jackie Boyle on 6/3/08.

The Traffic Education TE06 Year End Report (Survey) is due July 10 and it can be submitted on-line through IRIS. This information is required to calculate the August reimbursement. We expect to reimburse schools $75 - $85 for each student who completed Traffic Education from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008. The Traffic Education TE01 Program Applications are due August 1 for the 2008 -2009 and Summer 2009 school year. The forms are available on the web site: http://www.opi.mt.gov/drivered
For more information, contact Fran Penner-Ray, 444-4432.

Indian Education

Professional Development for Indian Education for All
Submitted by Mike Jetty on 6/2/08.

OPI is collaborating with tribal colleges and tribal education departments to provide professional development opportunities for Indian Education for All. There are spring and summer events planned in numerous areas of the state. Please call the contacts listed if you are interested in participating.

Crow Tribal Education Department – Jennifer Flat Lip – 638-3738
Apsaalooke Nation Summer Institute - June 9-13
Blackfeet Community College – Dee Hall – 338-5441
Summer workshop - June 10-11
Salish Kootenai College – Chris Strom – 275-4753
Summer Institute – June 19 - 20 tentative
Stone Child College – Gerard Vandeberg – 395-4313
Education Summit - July 28-31
Fort Peck Community College – Joe McGeshik – 768-6300
Ongoing trainings – on-site at local schools
The MASCD Montana Educators' summer Institute will include sessions on culturally proficient instruction for Indian Education for All. The Institute will be held June 9-12 in Helena. More information available in OPI's calendar at http://www.opi.mt.gov
For more information, contact Mike Jetty, 444-0720.

Investigating a Plains Tipi
Submitted by Jackie Boyle on 6/2/08.

The Museum of the Rockies is sponsoring a course entitled "Investigating a Plains Tipi" to be held June 16 - 19, 2008 at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman. This workshop has been approved as OPI renewal units as well as College credits.
For more information, contact Crystal , 406-994-6925.

Information Technology Services

Free Computer Recycling
Submitted by Gale Kramlick on 6/2/08.

For a limited time, Apple will recycle your schools unwanted hardware for free, with no purchase necessary. They will accept computers and qualifying peripherals from any manufacturer and recycle them in an environmentally responsible manner.

All accredited K-12 and higher education institutions with at least 25 systems to be recycled are eligible to participate. This offer expires June 30, 2008.
For more information or to participate in this program, please go to http://www.apple.com/education/shop/recycle/promo/index.php?event_code_recycle=5539907
To speak to an Apple representative about this program, call 1-800-277-5356.
For more information, contact Gale Kramlick, 444-4411.

E-Grants Schedule Change
Submitted by Kellee English on 6/2/08.

The OPI and our contractor, MTW Solutions, continue to work on several critical modifications and will notify districts as soon as the 08-09 applications for IDEA Consolidated, ESEA/NCLB Consolidated, and Carl Perkins E-Grants are available.

Carl Perkins
Release date: August 4, 2008.
Submission due date: September 15, 2008.
IDEA
Release date: Dependent on when the system is prepared for the 08-09 application cycle. The OPI will notify districts as soon as the 08-09 applications are available. The goal is to release the application to districts by June 16th.
Submission due date: August 30, 2008.
ESEA/NCLB
Release date: Dependent on when the system is prepared for the 08-09 application cycle. The OPI will notify districts as soon as the 08-09 applications are available. The goal is to release the application to districts by June 16th.
Submission due date: August 30, 2008.
In the future, the OPI plans to have E-Grant applications available to districts by May 1, 2008. We apologize for the confusion this year and appreciate your patience.
For more information, contact Kellee English, 444-7841.

Measurement and Accountability

AIM End of Year Collection- May 12- June 25
Submitted by Sara Loewen on 6/2/08.

The End of Year Collection in AIM is from May 12 to June 25, 2008. AIM specialists need to enter an enrollment end date and end status for all students currently enrolled in the school. This will end the student's enrollment record for the current 07-08 school year.

Graduation data, which includes diploma date, diploma type and diploma period, should be entered at this time. Additional information including reference guides for this collection and specific instructions on data entry is available at http://www.opi.mt.gov/pub/aim/AIM%20Collections/End%20of%20Year%20Collection/
Please contact Nicole Weissman (406) 444-3495 or Andy Boehm (406) 444-0375 if you have any questions.
For more information, contact Nicole Weissman, 444-3495.

School Finance

MASBO Summer Conference and New Clerks Workshop
Submitted by Denise Ulberg on 5/30/08.

Join the Montana Association of School Business Officials as it celebrates 40 years of serving school district business staff! The MASBO New Clerks Workshop will be held June 16 and 17 at the Heritage Inn in Great Falls. The MASBO Summer Conference will be held June 18, 19 and 20 at the same location. A link to the conference brochure is located on their website at: http://www.masbo.com/pdfs/conferences/Conference%20Program.pdf

The new clerks workshop offers 2 days of valuable information for staff new to the school business office. The summer conference is an opportunity to attend quality training focused on school business operations, including payroll, accounting and budgeting. Both events are excellent ways to network with district clerks from across the state. We hope to see you there!
For more information, contact Lynda Brannon, MASBO Executive Director, (406) 442-5599.

June 2008 MAPT Bus Driver Conference
Submitted by Denise Ulberg on 5/30/08.

The MAPT Bus Driver Conference will be held in Billings at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana on June 18-20. Registration materials, a preliminary agenda, and lodging information are available on the Pupil Transportation web page at http://www.opi.mt.gov/pupiltransport/index.html#train
Due to the high cost of food and fuel, conference rates have increased. However, the conference is the best training dollar that a district can spend!
Nomination sheets for various award are also posted on the Transportation web page:
25 Year Service Award: http://www.opi.mt.gov/PDF/PupilTransport/25YrService.pdf
MHP Driver of the Year: http://www.opi.mt.gov/PDF/PupilTransport/MHPDOY.pdf
MHP Aide of the Year: http://www.opi.mt.gov/PDF/PupilTransport/MHPAideOTY.pdf
Special Needs Driver of the Year: http://www.opi.mt.gov/PDF/PupilTransport/QStraintDOY.PDF
Special Needs Aide of the Year: http://www.opi.mt.gov/PDF/PupilTransport/QStraintAideOTY.PDF
For more information, contact Betty Kunkel, 406-454-6776.

OPI Summer Budgeting and Accounting Workshops
Submitted by Denise Ulberg on 5/30/08.

The OPI Summer Budgeting and Accounting Workshops are scheduled on the following dates and locations:
July 9 – Havre
July 10 – Great Falls
July 15 – Kalispell
July 16 – Missoula
July 17 – Bozeman
July 22 – Sidney
July 23 – Miles City
July 24 - Billings
We hope to see you there!
For more information, contact Adam Anfinson, (406) 444-4524.

FY2007-08 Second Semester Transportation Payments
Submitted by Denise Ulberg on 6/2/08.

The payment for FY2007-08 second semester transportation claims will be made on June 25, 2008. Payment will be generated only on those routes where all documents are current and up-to-date in the transportation system. Please be sure to update all driver certificates (TR-35) that might expire during the second semester period. Bus inspections (TR-13) for the second semester must have been completed by January 31, 2008 and entered into the transportation program.

FY2007-08 claims for reimbursement (TR-5 and TR-6) received by OPI after May 24, but before June 30, 2008 will be paid in September.
For more information, contact Maxine Mougeot, (406) 444-3096.

Information Available on the School Finance Web Page
Submitted by Jackie Boyle on 6/3/08.

School districts are encouraged to review the following information about reporting and tracking revenues and expenditures related to additional funding provided in the 2005 and 2007 Special Sessions:

Guidance for Tracking FY07 Funding Components, located at http://www.opi.mt.gov/PUB/pdf/SchoolFinance/Acct/RPTFY07Components.pdf, includes information about the Quality Educator, At Risk Student, Indian Education for All and American Indian Achievement Gap payments in the general fund and one-time-only (OTO) money paid in FY07.

Guidance for 2007 Legislative Funding, located at http://www.opi.mt.gov/PUB/pdf/SchoolFinance/Acct/07LegFundingGuidance.pdf, contains information about full-time kindergarten, Indian Education for All funding and OTO payments for FY08 and FY09.
For more information, contact Denise Ulberg, 444-1960.

Special Education

Montana Youth Transitions Conference September 15-17, 2008
Submitted by Susan Bailey Anderson on 6/2/08.

In the spirit of discovery, the 1st Annual Montana Youth Transitions Conference seeks to answer important questions about the challenging journey from school to work for Montana’s youth with disabilities. It will be an opportunity for students, parents, educators and service providers to network, explore resources, and discover pathways to meaningful futures!

For more information on the conference visit the website at http://www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/speced/link/08TransitionConference.pdf
For more information, contact Susan Bailey Anderson, 444-2046.

Montana Mentor Institute- August 12-14
Submitted by Nikki Sandve on 6/2/08.

The Montana Mentor Institute 2008 – The Art and Science of Teacher Mentoring will be held August 12-14, 2008, at MSU-Billings, Student Union Building. The annual mentor institute provides best-practice instruction to develop teachers as high-quality teacher mentors, and promotes mentoring programs as a tool for increased student achievement and enhanced teacher retention.

Participants will have extended opportunities to learn and practice mentor skills and learn practical applications. In addition, participants will learn best-practices in developing a teacher mentor program for their school or district.
The Institute is sponsored by the OPI ESEA Title I - Part A Programs, Montana’s State Personnel Development Grant, ESEA - Title II Part A State-Level Activities, Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) Region III and MEA-MFT.
Registration information is available at: http://www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/speced/link/08Mentor_Institute.pdf
For more information, contact Nikki Sandve, 444-0299.

Save the Date: Autism Conference
Submitted by Susan Bailey Anderson on 6/2/08.

The Office of Public Instruction invites principals, superintendents, special education administrators, psychologists, speech and occupational therapists, resource teachers, paraeducators, parents and advocates to the 2008 Autism Conference.

Featured will be Dr Tom Mates, psychologsit, Elizabeth Kaleva, attorney, and Kaia Mates, social worker. The only cost for participants is travel and lodging.
For information regarding the Autism Conference, September 22-23, 2008, at Chico Hot Springs, please use the following link:
http://www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/speced/link/08AutismConf.pdf
For more information, contact Susan Bailey Anderson, 444-2046.

Teacher Mentor Training Institute
Submitted by Nikki Sandve on 6/2/08.

Districts that have developed teacher mentor programs in Montana consistently report that
providing high-quality training to the mentors is a challenge. The Teacher Mentors and Coaches Trainer Institute held in Helena, June 24-27 at the Adult Learning Center will provide professional development to teacher leaders and other education personnel interested in providing professional development to districts or schools that are in the process of developing or have developed and want to refine a teacher mentor program.

The institute is free to individuals who commit to providing mentoring or coaching services to local schools or districts over the next two years. Lodging, mileage and per diem must be paid for by a sponsoring organization. Registration is limited and the OPI will strive to achieve balance among the regions of the state in attendees.
Participants will be able to receive 22 renewal units. In addition, two graduate credits from the University of Montana will be available for an additional cost. The credit work will be completed during the fall semester.
More information and registration can be found at the following link: http://www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/speced/link/08MENTORtraining.pdf
For more information, contact Nikki Sandve, 406-444-0299.

2008 MBI Summer Institute
Submitted by Susan Bailey-Anderson on 6/2/08.

The 2008 MBI Summer Institute is being held June 16-20, 2008 at Montana State University - Bozeman.

This Year's Hot Topics:
Response to Intervention
Resiliency
Targeted/Intensive Intervention
Family/Community
Early Childhood
Quantum Learning
Positive Body Image
Safe Schools
Nutrition
Internet Safety
On line registration opens March 31, 2008
http://www.montana.edu/cs/mbi
For more information, contact Denielle Miller, .

Montana Response to Intervention (RTI) Project Expansion Plans
Submitted by Jackie Boyle on 6/3/08.

During the 2005-2006 school year, the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) initiated the Montana Response to Intervention (RTI) Project in four elementary schools across the state. Response to Intervention is a schoolwide process that provides high-quality academic and behavioral instruction and interventions matched to student need. Pilot site schools have adopted the RTI Framework to address instruction and have set the stage for statewide implementation.

The OPI is seeking ten additional Montana elementary schools who are interested in receiving technical assistance and support in implementing schoolwide RTI processes. A selection committee will carefully examine each application and select schools in a variety of phases of implementation of RTI. The OPI Montana RTI Project will offer training and support for selected teams. Schools who are chosen must work collaboratively to implement a tiered approach that utilizes a response to intervention process as a schoolwide effort and be willing to collaborate with an assigned RTI consultant. We will choose schools throughout the regions of the state based on geographic location and varying school sizes.
For further information on The RTI Project Expansion and to view the application please go to this web page: http://www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/speced/link/08June_RTIAppPacket.pdf
For more information, contact Susan Bailey Anderson, 444-2046.

Back to the TOP

Summary of OPI Activities for June

Highlights of State Superintendent Linda McCulloch's Activities

May Highlights

Important Dates

Summer 2008

Office of the State Superintendent

Full Time Kindergarten Conference- Billings, August 12-13

Montana Statement on the Reauthorization of the ESEA

2011 Biennium Budget Request for the 2009 Legislative Session

2008 Timeline for Release of AYP Determinations

Accreditation

Five-Year Comprehensive Education Plan

Call for Nominations - A Working Conference June 23-27, 2008

Assessment

Check out May JUMP newsletter

Career Technical & Adult Education

Sample Notice of Non-discrimination for CTE

Big Sky Pathways Summer Institute Trainings 2008

Educational Opportunity & Equity Division

Title I Part A Final Program Report

Lessons Learned from First Year Teachers

Montana Reading Institute- August 4-7, Helena

Families and Learning Conference

Health Enhancement and Safety

Increased Access to Fruits and Vegetables in Schools Mini-Grant Program

School Food Service Conference – June 24-26, 2008

Montana DRIVE Summer Workshops in Lewistown June 9 to August 15, 2008

School Nutrition Programs Claim for Reimbursement – June 20, 2008

School Discipline Reports are Due June 30

Two Montana Schools Receive HealthierUS School Challenge Gold Awards in Spring 2008

A Toolkit to Prevent Bullying

Recess Before Lunch Survey is Complete with Positive Results and Useful Information

2008 MSU School Food Service Cooking School – August 5-7, 2008

Traffic Education Reports Due July 10 for August Reimbursement

Indian Education

Professional Development for Indian Education for All

Investigating a Plains Tipi

Information Technology Services

Free Computer Recycling

E-Grants Schedule Change

Measurement and Accountability

AIM End of Year Collection- May 12- June 25

School Finance

MASBO Summer Conference and New Clerks Workshop

June 2008 MAPT Bus Driver Conference

OPI Summer Budgeting and Accounting Workshops

FY2007-08 Second Semester Transportation Payments

Information Available on the School Finance Web Page

Special Education

Montana Youth Transitions Conference September 15-17, 2008

Montana Mentor Institute- August 12-14

Save the Date: Autism Conference

Teacher Mentor Training Institute

2008 MBI Summer Institute

Montana Response to Intervention (RTI) Project Expansion Plans