Big Sky Times

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte on May 26 championed a package of bills to strengthen curriculum for Montana K-12 students. The bills, recently signed into law by the governor, advance personal finance and civics education, strengthen the state’s Indian Education for All program, and expand computer science learning opportunities.

“Every young Montanan should graduate from high school well equipped for the opportunities that await him or her,” Gov. Gianforte said. “These bills enhance and strengthen curriculum in our schools to ensure students are well rounded and well prepared to thrive and achieve their American dream.”

Gov. Gianforte has been a strong proponent for civics and personal finance education for Montana students.

At the governor’s request, the Montana Board of Public Education (BPE) in January added civics and financial literacy courses as requirements for high school graduation.

To support schools as they stand up financial literacy courses, the governor recently signed into law House Bill 535, sponsored by Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls, which affirms the state’s expectation that K-12 public schools provide instruction in financial literacy.

“Montana students should graduate with a demonstrated knowledge of personal finance, understanding budgeting, paying bills, paying taxes, saving, and navigating debt. House Bill 535 and the board’s leadership will help het us there,” Gov. Gianforte said.

Promoting civics education, the governor signed House Bill 377, sponsored by Rep. Linda Reksten, R-Polson, to establish the Montana 250th Commission.

In additon to planning and implementing a state program to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, the commission will work with education leaders to promote civics education in Montana schools.

“As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, we must boost our civics education, ensuring young Montanans know more about American history. Our students should have a deeper understanding of the civic institutions born in our nation’s earliest years, which live on May 26, as well as the timeless ideals that guided our nation’s founding – freedom, liberty, equality, and justice,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I look forward to the work of the Montana 250th Commission to promote civic engagement in Montana and to celebrate 250 years of our nation.”

Next, the governor signed into law House Bill 338, sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, to strengthen the state’s Indian Education for All program.

Established by the 1999 Montana Legislature, the Indian Education for All program ensures Montana students learn about the distinct and unique heritage of American Indians.

Finally, the governor signed into law House Bill 346, also carried by Rep. Windy Boy, to expand access to computer science learning opportunities on tribal reservations.

In 2021, Gov. Gianforte established the tribal computer science scholarship program, providing scholarships for two high school teachers from each tribe to obtain a computer science certification from a Montana college and begin a program at their school of employment.

House Bill 346 expands the program to elementary and middle school teachers.

“With computing jobs in every industry projected to grow at twice the rate as other jobs, it’s critical we equip our students, regardless of where they live, with the tools they need to succeed and thrive,” Gov. Gianforte said.

Original source can be found here.