This 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 bill mandates the Superintendent of Public Instruction to provide reduced-cost access to these materials and associated professional development for school districts that opt to adopt HQIM, contingent upon legislative appropriation. Key provisions include the requirement to develop recommendations for HQIM during the negotiated rulemaking process, ensuring that these materials align with state content and performance standards, and providing ongoing support for teachers and instructional leaders.

The bill also includes specific amendments to existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), particularly sections 20-7-101, 20-7-113, and 20-7-114. Notable changes include the introduction of a new definition for "external consultant" and the stipulation that the economic impact statement for accreditation standards must include recommendations and cost estimates for HQIM. Additionally, the bill appropriates $5 million from the general fund to support the implementation of revised math content standards, with designated funds for both elementary and high school districts to adopt HQIM and develop curriculum-aligned professional development. 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(2): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_1(3): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_1(4): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_1(5): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_1: 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_2(1): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_2(2): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_2(3): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_2(4): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_2(5): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_2(6): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_2(7): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_2(8): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_2(9): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_2: 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_3(1): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_3(10): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_3(2): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_3(3): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_3(4): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_3(5): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_3(6): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_3(7): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_3(8): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_3(9): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_3: 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_X(1): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_X(2): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_X(3): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_X(4): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_X(5): 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114
HB0462_X: 20-7-101, 20-7-113, 20-7-114