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Bill would expand Montana’s early intervention program to include numeracy; sponsors emphasize voluntary participation
Summary
Representative Melissa Romano told the Senate Education Committee HB 338 would add early numeracy intervention to the state’s targeted early literacy program, allow assessments year‑round, and keep participation voluntary; multiple education groups testified in support.
Representative Melissa Romano introduced House Bill 338 to expand the state’s early‑intervention program by adding early numeracy alongside early literacy and by increasing flexibility for assessment timing.
"This bill seeks to add on to that successful bill by adding early numeracy intervention," Romano said, noting research that early math proficiency is a strong predictor of later academic success. The bill allows interventions to be classroom‑based, home‑based, or provided through jump‑start summer programs, and it lets the Board of Public Education select developmentally appropriate, research‑based assessment methods. Romano emphasized that participation remains voluntary and parents retain choice.
Proponents included Rob Watson (Coalition of Advocates for Montana’s Public Schools), Kim Popham (MFPE), Marissa Graybill (former math educator and parent), Kaitlyn Jensen (0 to 5 Montana), and others. Witnesses said early numeracy can be taught with validated assessments and that expanding services will help districts better prepare students for algebra and other future coursework. Several testified that the bill removes a previous statutory restriction that limited the assessment window to April–June, allowing districts to assess students whenever they enroll during the school year.
OPI analyst Paul Taylor and McCall Flynn of the Board of Public Education testified as informational witnesses and answered technical questions. Senators asked whether the Legislature was overreaching into curriculum or whether early intervention for math was premature; supporters argued the bill does not mandate curriculum but provides supports and screening tools.
The committee closed the hearing; no formal committee action on HB 338 is recorded in the provided transcript.
