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Keogh proposes state funding, teacher stipends for English language learners in HB 361

House Education Committee · February 12, 2025
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Summary

House Bill 361 would create a state funding formula for English language learners (ELs) based on Title III counts, provide stipends for teachers with ESL/CLD endorsements, and includes a $5 million appropriation in the draft; proponents described growing EL enrollments and gaps in teacher capacity.

Representative Connie Keogh opened the House Education Committee hearing on House Bill 361, which would establish state funding and teacher stipends to support English language learners (ELs) across Montana.

Keogh told committee members that Montana currently lacks a mechanism in its K–12 school funding formula to address ELs and said "Montana is one of only two states that does not provide state funding for English language learners." She described a funding model that uses the most recent Title III student counts as a baseline and multiplies that figure to allocate state dollars, and said the bill also creates professional…

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