Welcome to SAM!

Click HERE for Rob's message to SAM members.

From Rob's Desk! (2025-2026)

Updated, February 2, 2026

1. OCHE Webinars, Future Ready Payment Info
   • January 7, WMASS, NWMASS
   • January 7, C, NC & HiLine MASS
   • January 12, SC & 4 Rivers MASS
   • January 12, SE & NE MASS
2. Level All:  FREE Career Connected Learning tool for all MT schools
   • Website: https://www.levelall.com/educators
   • SAM Webinar: January 8, 2026
   • Level All Slide Deck, January 8, 2026
   • Upcoming Informational Webinars
3. Teacher Apprenticeship Program Resources
   • Dept of Labor Tchr Apprenticeship Website. (NEW - January 2026)
     • Informational Webinars: January 12, January 13 & January 21. (SIGN UP IS ON THE DEPT of LABOR WEBSITE)
   • Information and Survey
     • General Considerations for Schools
     • Considerations when recruiting teacher candidates
     • SAM Interest Survey - Complete ASAP, Grant Applications due March 2026
4. Immigration Enforcement involving schools: guidance (Feb 2026)
   • MTSBA Guidance, Feb 2026
   • SAM Issue Brief, Immigration Enforcement, Jan 2026
5. The School Funding Interim Commission (AKA The Decennial Study), 2025-2027
   • The Timeline of Work
   • School Funding Interim Commission, MT Legislative Website
   • DRAFT Recommendations Report, January 2026
   • Relevant MT Laws Related to the Decennial Study and School Funding
     • HB153, Passed in the 2025 Session, Defines the scope and priorities
     • MCA 20-9-309, Legislative definition of "quality education" components
6. SAM 2025 Legislative Implementation
   • SAM Legislative Short-Cut, 3Ps (Policy, Procedure, Practice) Bill List
   • HB745 Backgound Checks
     • OPI NEW GUIDANCE, January 2026, Definitions & Work-Based Learning 
     • HB745 Implementation, SAM Guidance
     • HB745 Guidance for Background Checks and Third Party Contractors
     • OPI Guidance Document and advice for Work-Based Learning opportunities
     • Sample Affidavit that could be used for third party to verify background check
   • HB 338: Adding Numeracy to Early Literacy Programs
     • Recommendations from Early Targeted Intervention Advisory Council
       • Numeracy Skills & Assessment - Page 8
       • Class Size Changes - Page 16
   • HB252, STARS Act, Future Ready Program
     • Future Ready Payment Incentive - General Guidance
     • Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) Proposed Rule, Nov 2025
     • DLI Proposed List of Qualifying CTE programs, Nov 2025
     • SAM Public Comment on DLI Rule & List, Nov 2025
     • SAM Webinar, November, 2025
   • HB819 Implementation (Flag Bill)
     • OPI Guidance Letter, Oct 2025
   • HB471 Implementation (Sex Ed Bill)
     • OPI Guidance Letter, Oct 2025
   • HB591 Implementation (Freedom Week)
   • HB400 Freedom to Speak Act
     • MCA 49-2-307 (Unlawful Discriminatory Practices)
     • MCA 20-1-233 (Certain district policies prohibited)
7. MAST Information
   • State Proficiency Levels (MAST Cut Scores)
   • MAST Standard Setting Process (July 2025), Observation report
   • IEP Options as per OPI Settlement Agreement (September 2025)
   • Alternate Assessment is a NEW format this year. Produced by Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM)
   • DLM Alternative Standards: ELA, MATH
   • FAQ: Missing one question on a testlet and scoring at Level 2?
8. CAMPS Funding Proposal, Prepared for School Funding Interim Commission
   • CAMPS Funding Proposal, Memo to SFIC, Sept 8
   • CAMPS Funding Proposal, Info Graphic, Sept 8
   • Rob's CAMPS Funding Proposal Presentation, Sept 21
9. Open Enrollment & Remote Instruction, OPI Clarifies the ANB implications
   • Memo to Superintendents from OPI, May 2025
   • Updated Memo to Superintendents (After HB250 becomes effective), July 1, 2025

ARCHIVES - FROM ROBS DESK, PREVIOUS YEARS

Quick Links to Contemporary Issues, 2024-25 School Year

Quick Links to Contemporary Issues, 2023-24 School Year