The bill revises existing laws related to transformational learning by moving the termination date of the current transformational learning grant program up by one year and establishing a new Transformational Learning Phase II Grant Program. This new program will be administered by the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Board of Public Education, with specific requirements for school districts to qualify for funding. The bill also includes amendments to sections 20-7-1601 and 20-7-1602 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), which define transformational learning as a flexible, pupil-centered, and proficiency-based system designed to develop each pupil's full educational potential. The definition now emphasizes customization to address individual strengths, needs, and interests, as well as active engagement in the learning process.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for school districts to apply for the Phase II grants, which will support the implementation of transformational and proficiency-based learning across districts. It mandates that the Superintendent of Public Instruction invite eligible districts to apply and determine grant recipients by February 1, 2026. The funding must be utilized by June 30, 2028, and a report on the progress of the grantees is required by September 1, 2028. The bill also specifies that the current transformational learning program will terminate on June 30, 2026, and includes provisions for the coordination of funding with House Bill No. 2 if both bills are passed.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-7-1601, 20-7-1602