The Board of Public Education (BPE) and the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) have initiated a comprehensive review of the current accreditation rules as provided in Chapter 55 of the Administrative Rules of Montana. Plans for this review process are as follows:

• The OPI will provide initial leadership and data gathering prior to the task force being convened.
• The OPI will engage key stakeholders as to their views on the issues and areas of emphasis that need to be considered during the review.
• The OPI will assemble an analysis of issues around moving from an accreditation system based on "inputs" to one based upon "outputs."
• The OPI will sample accreditation processes used in comparable states.
• The OPI will assemble a recommendation for possible task force membership.
• The OPI will report to the BPE on the process to date along with recommendations for task force membership.
• Task Force Meetings
• The BPE will initiate the process to consider task force meeting recommendations.
• Outreach for Public Comment
• Rule Making Process
• Implementation of Revised Chapter 55

Board of Public Education and Office of Public Instruction
Chapter 55 Standards of Accreditation Joint Task Force
2010 - 2011

Vision/Mission
The Montana Constitution created and empowered the Board of Public Education (BPE) to supervise, serve, maintain, and strengthen Montana's system of free quality public elementary and secondary schools. The board exists to promote high academic achievement for all Montana students.

The Office of Public Instruction (OPI) provides vision, support and leadership for schools and communities to ensure that all students meet today's challenges and tomorrow's opportunities.

Guiding Principle
Standards of Accreditation serve the learning needs of all present and future Montana PK-12 students providing innovation, flexibility and ensuring quality education.

Purpose
To review and revise Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) 10.55 Standards of Accreditation to align standards with current innovative practice providing flexibility and ensuring quality education and accountability.

Charge
The Chapter 55 Joint Task Force shall provide to the Superintendent and the BPE recommendations for amendments to ARM 10.55. Recommended amendments to ARM will comply with MAPA rules for public hearing.

Board of Public Education/Office of Public Instruction
Chapter 55 Joint Task Force

Co-Chairs (click name to send email) :

Member Names and Constituent Groups (click name to send email) :

Chapter 55 – Superintendent’s Final Recommendations to BPE

Final Recommendations to Superintendent 601-606 - Revised April 13, 2012
Final Recommendations to Superintendent 701-705 - Revised April 13, 2012
Final Recommendations to Superintendent 706-718 - Revised April 13, 2012
Final Recommendations to Superintendent 801-805 - Revised April 13, 2012
Final Recommendations to Superintendent 901-910 - Revised April 13, 2012
Final Recommendations to Superintendent 1001-1003 - Revised April 13, 2012

Draft Final Recommendations 601-606 – Revised Feb. 29, 2012
Draft Recommendations 601-606 – Revised Jan. 30-31, 2012
Draft Recommendations 601-606 Revised Oct. 13, 2011

Draft Final Recommendations 701-705 – Revised Feb. 29, 2012
Draft Recommendations 701-705 – Revised Jan. 30-31, 2012
Draft Recommendations 701-705 - Revised September 2011

Draft Final Recommendations 706-718 – Revised Feb. 29, 2012
Draft Recommendations 706-717 – Revised Jan. 30-31, 2012
Draft Recommendations 706-716 - Revised September 2011

Draft Final Recommendations 801-805 – Revised Feb. 29, 2012
Draft Recommendations 801-805 – Revised Jan. 30-31, 2012
Draft Recommendations 801-805 Revised Oct. 13, 2011

Draft Final Recommendations 901-910 – Revised Feb. 29, 2012
Draft Recommendations 901-910 – Revised Jan. 30-31, 2012
Draft Recommendations 901-910 - Revised September 2011

Draft Final Recommendations 1001-1003 - Revised Feb. 29, 2012
Draft Recommendations 1001-1003 – Revised Jan. 30-31, 2012
Draft Recommendations 1001-1003 - Revised September 2011