_____________ joint resolution NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study of educational redesign and ways of increasing the flexibility and portability of public funding for developing the full educational potential of montana children; and requiring that the final results of the study be reported to the 69th legislature.

WHEREAS, the constitutional entities responsible for the governance of public education in the state agreed during the 2021-2022 interim that there is a "case for change" in encouraging innovation in the state's K-12 education system; and

WHEREAS, through various legislation in recent years, the Legislature has encouraged a more personalized and student-centered approach to education; and

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the existing school dynamic and has caused students, parents, teachers, and policymakers to reexamine how education should be structured in the 21st century; and

WHEREAS, this structure will almost certainly involve an acknowledgement that learning can happen anytime, anyplace, and through a blend of instructional means selected in an increasingly a la carte fashion by students and parents.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, to examine:

(1)        trends in educational redesign within the United States and internationally;

(2)        ways in which the state's current school funding system supports or inhibits innovation in educational redesign; and

(3)        changes in the school funding system that would better support innovations in educational redesign.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2024.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 69th Legislature.