OPI proposes streamlined K–12 ELA standards embracing science of reading and Indigenous content

OPI staff presented a comprehensive rewrite of Montana’s K–12 English language arts and literacy standards at the May 16 board meeting, proposing fewer, clearer grade‑level standards, explicit inclusion of foundational reading practices and stronger alignment with Indian Education for All.

Marie (OPI senior manager for teaching and learning) said the task force reduced the existing inventory of standards by roughly 300 items to make the framework easier for teachers to use. Major structural changes include: extending foundational reading skills (phonemic awareness, phonics and decoding/encoding) into middle and high school, adding literacy practices modeled on mathematical practices (for example, critical consideration and collaboration), consolidating language standards into reading/writing domains, and moving elaborations and exemplars into guidance documents so rules remain concise.

Marie also highlighted a new glossary of technical terms (morphology, grapheme correspondence) and a new research and inquiry strand that includes scaffolded tasks addressing Montana indigenous peoples in upper grades. Staff said crosswalks to existing statewide assessments (MAST) and an economic‑impact review are planned before formal rulemaking and adoption.

Board members asked about assessment implications and alignment; OPI said it will conduct alignment work with assessment vendors and noted the need for guidance and professional learning to help districts implement the changes.

The board received the proposal as an information item; staff said the timeline calls for additional public engagement and rulemaking steps before any formal adoption vote.