Volume XLV                            May 2024

No. 339

Navigating the End of the School Year: Reflections on Challenges, Relief, and Renewal 
by Pam Birkeland, MACSS President 

Just like spring weather, which in May is torn between lingering in the ways of winter or bringing the relief of warmer weather, educators across our great state are torn between the conflict of knowing relief is near with the summer break and the worry about whether everything will get completed to close out the 23-24 year and about what will happen to our charges over the long summer break. I have always found that while relief that comes in the form of summer break seems to be in sight, there is always so much to do to close out the year: programs, staff evaluations, hiring, spring sports, field trips to fit in, graduations, and on and on. At the same time, we as administrators, are planning for and putting things in place for the next fall.  I am sure that I am not alone in wondering how the Open Enrollment will affect our schools, especially small rural schools. I have found some relief from this worry through working with many of you and our associations to help each other make sense of not only this new norm, but the other new norms on the horizon for public education in Montana.

So, where does the relief come for us? I hope that each and every one of us has the chance to do something fun, relaxing, and meaningful that will help us recharge our batteries in preparation for the 24-25 school year. I also encourage you to attend learning opportunities offered over the summer such as the SAM Administrators Institute to be held July 22-24 in Helena. If you are retiring, good luck to you and thank you for your contributions to our noble profession. If you are changing jobs within your district or moving to a new district, may your anticipation of the newness, prepare you for your next adventure. If you are staying put doing what you did this year or in years past, I wish you the ability to really recharge. We continue to be in a very tumultuous time in public education. I hope that by taking some time over the summer for yourself and your family and friends, you come back refreshed and ready to fight the fight for your students, your staff, and your community and deliver the best education possible for our students, our most valuable resource for our future.

Encourage and support those around you. No one knows the burdens that others bare. We have the power to lighten someone’s heavy load with a simple smile, a heartfelt compliment, or the offer of grace and gratitude. 

It has been my privilege to serve on the SAM Executive Board this year and to lead the MACSS organization as President. I would like to thank Dr. Rob Watson, Kim Scofield, and Marcus Meyer for their support to our organizations affiliated with SAM. I want to extend admiration and thanks to all affiliate member administrators for your work on behalf of our MT students. Good luck in ending the 23-24 school year, and may each of you feel rejuvenated and ready to go come August.

Pam Birkeland
MACSS President

History Repeating?
Education policy is marked by periods of inclusion and exclusion.
What does that mean for 2025 and beyond? 

Over the past seventy years, the educational landscape in the United States has undergone significant transformations, shaped by societal shifts, technological advancements, and federal policy. Each of these transformations has ushered in periods of inclusion and exclusion. Generally, during periods of inclusion, schools have thrived with strong public support. Conversely, during periods of exclusion, schools have experienced turmoil and disruption. As school leaders, it is imperative to understand these historical contexts to better anticipate and respond to what might be coming in 2025.

1. 1954: Desegregation (Exclusion)

The Supreme Court ruling in Brown vs. Board of Education marked a seismic shift in educational equity, declaring state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional. While disruptive, the decades following were marked by many inclusionary practices in public schools.

2. 1975: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (Inclusion)

Enacted as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, IDEA mandated that public schools provide free and appropriate education to students with disabilities. This legislation underscored the federal role in ensuring an inclusive educational environment for all students, significantly affecting resource allocation and curriculum development.

3. 1983: A Nation at Risk (Exclusion)

The release of "A Nation at Risk" highlighted perceived deficiencies in the American education system, suggesting it was being "eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity." This report influenced substantial reforms in educational standards and accountability mechanisms, leading to increased federal oversight.

4. 2001: No Child Left Behind (NCLB)  (Inclusion)

This Act reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, increasing the federal role in holding schools accountable for the academic achievement of all students. It introduced high-stakes testing as a major tool of education governance, pushing schools to ensure that students meet certain academic benchmarks.

5. 2010: Common Core State Standards  (Inclusion)

Initiated by state leaders and adopted by the majority of states, the Common Core aimed to establish uniform educational standards across the nation, particularly in English and Math. Despite being a state-led initiative, it received significant federal support, reflecting a shift towards more standardized educational outcomes.

6. 2015: Privatization Movement and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)  (Exclusion)

The privatization movement gained momentum, advocating for options like charter schools and vouchers. The same year, ESSA was signed, rolling back some federal controls from NCLB and giving states more authority over their accountability systems. This reflected a blend of continuing federal influence with a nod to state-specific needs and privatization trends.

7. 2020: COVID-19 Pandemic (Exclusion)

The pandemic led to unprecedented disruptions in traditional learning modalities, propelling a massive shift to online education. It underscored the necessity for federal support in technology access and highlighted the importance of mental health resources, which influenced subsequent policy adjustments.

As a country (and as a state) we are experiencing a period of exclusion. Knowing that, we can expect disruption and turmoil in our system. Understanding these historical transformations between periods of inclusion and exclusion helps us as leaders to prepare for future challenges and opportunities.

SAM Webinar Series
Thursday, May 9, 10:00 AM
State Superintendent Candidate Forum

On Thursday, May 9 at 10:00am, MASS will host an OPI State Superintendent Candidate Forum. SAM does not endorse a candidate and the forum will not be a debate. Each of the three candidates will have 20 minutes to talk to SAM members about their background and the future they see in the State Superintendent position and OPI.  

Recordings and resources from past webinars can be found on the SAM Member Landing Page. 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3923446729
Meeting ID: 392 344 6729

Registration is open for the 2024 SAM AI - Leading Transformation: Innovation, Inclusion, and Inspiration - an essential summer professional learning opportunity you won't want to miss!  Leaders and educators play a critical role and serve as a catalyst for change when shaping the future for their schools and communities. To this end, educators are implementing innovative, inclusive, and inspirational practices in their environments. They use a proactive approach to address pressing challenges, leverage groundbreaking solutions, and motivate others to take action. By focusing on these important themes, innovation, inclusion and inspiration, the SAM AI summer conference will provide leaders with knowledge to create impactful and lasting contributions for their schools. 

Expected outcomes for those attending SAM AI:

• Innovation plays a crucial role in enhancing educational outcomes, processes, and environments. At SAM AI, participants will explore creative solutions to problems or challenges, which can lead to significant improvements and changes.

• Inclusion refers to the practice of integrating all students, including those with diverse learning needs and disabilities, into our school environments. At SAM AI, participants will learn about practices designed to ensure that all students have equal access to educational opportunities within a supportive environment that accommodates their individual differences.

• Inspiration is a powerful tool that can transform public schools by energizing teachers, motivating students, and fostering a community that supports educational excellence. At SAM AI, leaders will be inspired through relevant and rewarding presentations that will make an impact and lead to sustained improvements by instilling a sense of purpose and commitment.

2024 SAM AI features an exciting lineup of keynote speakers: 

• Ron Clark:  Get ready for an inspiring start to the 2024 SAM Administrators Institute.  Ron Clark is not only providing a pre-conference on Monday, July 22 from 8:00 - 11:30 but will also be kicking off the full conference at noon! 
  
  Consider registering your educator team to attend the first day of SAM AI (which includes the pre-conference) for a deep dive into Ron Clark's transformative educational strategies, notably PBIS strategies designed to foster a supportive and successful learning environment. Don't miss this unique opportunity to bring fresh inspiration and proven techniques back to your district.  You will save $100 on your conference registration if you register a team of 5 or more non-SAM member educators.  

• Tuesday, July 23 features Beth Houf  as the opening keynote presenter.  Beth Houf is the Co-Author of Lead Like a PIRATE: Make School Amazing for Your Students and Staff.  She co-facilitates the NASSP Women in School Leadership Network and is a member of the NASSP Board of Directors.  Beth was named the Missouri National Distinguished Principal for 2016, the 2019 National Association of Secondary School Principals Digital Principal of the Year, the 2021-2022 Missouri Secondary School Principal of the Year and the 2022 NASSP Principal of the Year. 

2024 SAM Administrators Institute will also feature additional keynote presentations; breakout sessions focused on Innovation, Inclusion, & Inspiration; and social events.

Room blocks are available.  Contact one of the following hotels to make your reservation for the SAM Administrators Institute:

• Great Northern Hotel, 406-457-5500, $179 per night
• DoubleTree Hilton,  406-443-2200, $159 per night

Watch for a draft agenda and more information coming soon for 2024 SAM Administrators Institute!

---

The 2024 SAM Week of Excellence is right around the corner.  The week's events will kick off with the DaRud Cup Golf Tournament at Bill Roberts Golf Course in Helena June 12 followed by the Evening of Excellence and SAM Delegate Assembly June 13-14 at the Delta Hotel by Marriott Colonial.  

The SAM team would love to see you at the DaRud Cup Golf Tournament. The cost to play 18 holes with a cart and lunch is $65.00/person.  Please get a group & join us for some fun. 

Prizes will be awarded following the round. The Tournament tee times will start at 8:00 AM at Bill Roberts Golf Course so come early to warm up and hit a few range balls. 

Click HERE to register yourself or your team. 

If you are interested in becoming a Sponsor for the DaRud Cup, please  contact Marcus Meyer at [email protected] 

Lastly, if you plan to attend the week's events and need hotel accommodations please contact one of the hotels below for reservations and request a room in the SAM Delegate Assembly room bock. 

• Delta Colonial Hotel: 406-443-2100 (Room Rate $228.00/night)
• Helena Great Northern Hotel: Delegate Assembly room block Room, 406-457-5500 (Room Rate $240/night) 

  ---

2024-25 SAM Membership Drive in Underway!

The School Administrators of Montana (SAM) Membership Drive began on April 9 for the 2024-25 membership year! We are once again using the online renewal process that we have used for the past several years. As the "key contact" for a district, district clerks/business managers received an email that includes information for completing membership renewals for their district's MASS, MASSP, MAEMSP, MCASE, and META members. Please work with your district clerk/business manager to be sure your membership is correct. Members not linked to a school district received an email that included a link to their membership renewal form. We encourage you to renew your membership early so you can start the next fiscal year with the full benefits of your membership in place and without a chance of it lapsing. Contact the SAM Office with any questions you may have.

---

T.E.S.T. Inc. would like to encourage everyone to register for the Jeremy Bullock Safe Schools Summit on August 6-7 in Butte. The theme is Growing your School’s Safety Culture and will focus on “best practices for student and educator safety and creating safe school environments.”

T.E.S.T. Inc. is a proud Gold Sponsor of the Jeremy Bullock Safe Schools Summit. We are thrilled to support the teachers and administrators who impact our students directly! We hope to see you there!

Thank you, Montana educators, for your dedication and commitment to Montana students!!

---

Invitation for Volunteers for Qualitative Study 

My name is Justine Alberts, and I am a doctoral candidate in the Educational Leadership program at the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana. I am conducting a qualitative study for my doctoral dissertation on the principalship and critical events leading to trauma.

I am researching the phenomena of trauma as part of the principalship and am looking for volunteers to participate in a phenomenology study. Once volunteer participants are selected, the participants will be asked to complete a one- (1) hour interview conducted over the Zoom platform. The interview questions will focus on the principal’s experience with critical events, trauma, and support systems. I am also requesting a six-question demographic questionnaire be completed.

To participate, you must meet the following inclusion criteria:
1. Participants must have been a principal within the United States and associated territories.
2. Participants must have been appropriately licensed as an administrator during the time of the critical event and their employment as a principal. 
Participants must be, or have been, a building principal between 2002 and 2023.
3. Participants must have been a principal for at least six (6) months.
4. Participants must identify as having experienced a critical event, associated with the roles and responsibilities of a principal, that they believe to have resulted in trauma.

To maintain confidentiality, identifying participant information will be kept in locked files in physical and digital locations. There are two governing bodies to ensure this confidentiality: my doctoral dissertation committee and the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the University of Montana. At the conclusion of the study and upon request, I will provide a summary of my findings. If you are interested in participating and meet the criteria listed above, please contact me by email, phone, or text and I will respond with the appropriate forms to obtain consent and schedule our interview.

Respectfully,

Justine Alberts
Doctoral Candidate, Educational Leadership
University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59801
[email protected]
406-231-2367

---

 

Discovery Education Offers Free
Professional Learning for Montana Teachers