The bill aims to enhance the quality of education in Montana by revising laws related to state support for curriculum and instruction. It establishes a process for identifying high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) as part of the content standard revision process. The Superintendent of Public Instruction is required to provide reduced-cost access to these materials and associated professional development for school districts that choose to adopt them, contingent on legislative appropriation. The bill also includes definitions for HQIM and outlines the roles of external nonprofit partners in supporting the selection and implementation of these materials.

Key amendments to existing law include the requirement for the economic impact statement to include recommendations and cost estimates for HQIM, as well as provisions for the Superintendent to ensure reduced-cost access to HQIM and professional development for adopting districts. The bill appropriates $5 million from the general fund for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, to support the adoption of HQIM for mathematics in grades K-8 and to develop curriculum for expanded high school math offerings. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_1(1): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_1: 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114