Visuals for a New Funding Formula: T he Steps Necessary to Provide a Constitutional Education to Montana’s Children

A Formula Based on the Basic System of Quality Schools in Montana An obligation of the Montana Legislature in pursuit of compliance with the Court’s order in Columbia Falls Elementary v. State. Must be based on two items: –The Legislature’s definition of quality in , MCA. –An assessment of educational needs. Must rationally identify and meet the needs of children as the first and really only priority for K-12 public education

Where is the Legislature in Progressing Toward a New Formula? SB 152, defining the basic system of free quality schools, has passed and is codified in law at , MCA. The quality schools interim committee (QSIC) was flawed from the start and did not finish its work. The Legislature and Governor abandoned the QSIC process and implemented political-based funding, based on perceived affordability and power rather than on educational need. The lack of connection between the definition of quality and the funding formula is harming children.

2. Assess educational needs under the terms of the definition drafted under 1 2a. Assessment requires factual Knowledge of consequence and broad professional expertise and input 2b. Value judgments are implicit in the assessment and decisions made. Participation by all called upon for support of the system is essential 3. How do we generate the financial capacity to address the needs Identified? 4. Develop adequate and equitable means for Distribution. Before implementing, know how it impacts children in all schools 5. Inflation-adjust formula during its useful life (no more than 5 years without revisiting the definition and assessing contemporary educational needs) 1. Define (or refine after 1 st time) the basic system of quality schools in compliance With Article X Establishing and Maintaining a Rational, Self-Executing Formula Continually ask: Is the system serving all children? Is the system accommodating evolving dynamics and realities? Is the system honoring and is it in compliance with our constitutional responsibilities under Article X?

Basic Starting Point: The System Must Serve Children

Unique Children Gifted and Talented Special Needs Under IDEA Special Needs Under Section 504 Limited English Proficiency Children in Poverty Others At- Risk Of Failing to Meet Standards American Indians Children in Traditional Circumstances Differentiated Instruction and Services to Meet the Unique Needs of all Children

Children High Quality Teachers, Salary Mandated benefits, Insurance Relevant Professional Development Updated Technology Broad Curriculum Adequate Supplies & Equipment Desks Whiteboards and Other Equipment Qualified Paraprofessionals Salary, Mandated Benefits, Insurance Related Services Special Children Updated Textbooks The Classroom Essentials

Children Classrooms Building Administration & Support Auditorium Healthy Activities Safety & Security Library Counseling Gymnasium Computer Lab Utilities Nurses Speech Path’s, O.T. Maintenance Staff & Supplies School Food Service The School Essentials

Children Classrooms Schools School BoardSuperintendentTechnologyTransportation Business and Financial Functions Administrative Support Facilities – Capital, Operational Athletics and Activities Curriculum The District Essentials

Parents Advocacy Groups TribesEducatorsCourtsTrusteesGovernor Federal Government The Board of Public Education CitizensTaxpayers Business Community Office of Public Instruction The Legislature Stakeholders with a Responsibility for Involvement in Assessing and Meeting Educational Needs

Summary of Necessary Steps 1.Define the basic system of quality schools (Accomplished – SB 152) 2.Assess educational needs (Not Accomplished – QSIC process broke down) 3.Implement Cost-Based Funding Formula (Not Accomplished, requires a bonified study process as a prerequisite)

What Can Policy Makers Do to Help? 1.Support a legitimate assessment of educational needs. Note: MQEC is in the process of commissioning such analyses, using both professional judgment and successful schools methodologies, and focusing on the Legislature’s definition of quality in SB 152. Legislation will be developed for the 2007 Session. 2.Support a funding formula based on educational needs, not on the basis of politics, power, and perceived affordability.