House Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to enhance early educational interventions by broadening the focus from solely literacy to include numeracy, thereby allowing for a more comprehensive evaluation of children's eligibility for these programs. The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically sections 5-11-222, 20-5-101, and 20-7-1801 through 20-7-1804, among others. Key changes include the insertion of "and to perform math" in the findings related to educational success, while references to "literacy" are deleted in favor of a broader approach to "educational" interventions. The bill also introduces new provisions for early interventions aimed at improving both reading and math skills for children identified as below proficiency levels.

In addition to expanding educational focus, the bill revises reporting requirements to ensure timely submission of relevant data and progress reports to the legislature, moving away from the current biennial reporting system. It mandates that certain reports be provided as soon as they are published, enhancing transparency and accountability in government operations. The bill also clarifies Average Number Belonging (ANB) calculations for public school enrollment, particularly for students in kindergarten through grade 12, and establishes new sections for implementing numeracy-based evaluation methodologies. Overall, the bill aims to improve educational outcomes for young children by ensuring they receive necessary support in both reading and mathematics, while refining the enrollment counting process for public schools.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 5-11-222, 20-3-326, 20-5-101, 20-7-1801, 20-7-1802, 20-7-1803, 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
HB0338_1(1): 5-11-222, 20-3-326, 20-5-101, 20-7-1801, 20-7-1802, 20-7-1803, 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
HB0338_1(2): 5-11-222, 20-3-326, 20-5-101, 20-7-1801, 20-7-1802, 20-7-1803, 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
HB0338_1(3): 5-11-222, 20-3-326, 20-5-101, 20-7-1801, 20-7-1802, 20-7-1803, 20-7-1804, 20-9-311
HB0338_1: 5-11-222, 20-3-326, 20-5-101, 20-7-1801, 20-7-1802, 20-7-1803, 20-7-1804, 20-9-311