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Board reviews proposed Seal of Civics Literacy tied to Montana's 250th
Summary
OPI and the Montana 250th Commission proposed a Seal of Civics Literacy for 2026 that would recognize high‑school students who pass the USCIS naturalization test (80%+), complete board‑required civics coursework, meet community service or a Montana Challenge test requirement, and submit an application to the board.
State education officials and the Montana 250th Commission presented a proposal for a Seal of Civics Literacy to recognize graduating students who demonstrate civic knowledge and engagement.
Under the plan, students would qualify for the seal by meeting four criteria: (1) passing the USCIS naturalization test with at least an 80% score, (2) completing the board‑required 0.5 credit of civics coursework during high school, (3) completing community engagement requirements (either 40 hours of service, or 20 hours plus passing a Montana Challenge historical test prepared by the Montana Historical Society), and (4) submitting an application to the Board of Public Education by a May 1 deadline. OPI and the Montana 250th Commission will host the civics and Montana Challenge tests via an online platform and provide a sample application and service log for districts.
Presenters emphasized the honorary and celebratory nature of the seal, proposed for the state's semiquincentennial year, and asked the board to act on the information item at the next session. Board members asked for clarifications about accessibility for private and homeschooled students, verification of volunteer hours and whether the naturalization test and related materials would be available at no cost; presenters confirmed the test would be made accessible through OPI's platform and that further implementation details would be refined prior to formal action.
The board received the proposal as an information item and indicated it would consider the seal at the next day’s agenda after follow‑up on details for outreach and inclusivity.
