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2020-2021 Montana Strategic Waiver website
2020-2021 Montana Strategic Waiver website
The Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) recognizes that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic poses many new challenges and is seeking maximum flexibility and options under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), reauthorized as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The purpose of this site is to provide the public with information on the 2020-2021 requested waivers. This site is intended to provide information to the public on what the waivers mean today, and in the future, and how the public can engage in the discussion through the Public Comment Process.
Q: What are the requirements for seeking waivers?
Q: What are the requirements for seeking waivers?
The provisions for assembling state evidence to support waivers under this process fall under 20 U.S. Code § 7861 and ESEA-ESSA Section 8401.
The OPI must inform the public of the requested waivers and provide an opportunity for public comment on the waiver requests. The notice and opportunity for comment will be facilitated using methods the OPI customarily uses for notice and the input.
The OPI will make reasonable efforts to ensure representative participation in the process across stakeholders and meaningful consultation. These efforts will include persons that may be significantly affected by the changes. (See the IV. Outreach page for more information on notice to stakeholders.)
On February 5, 2021, the OPI will submit the following waivers to the Department:
On February 5, 2021, the OPI will submit the following waivers to the Department:
Assessment requirements in ESEA-ESSA Section 1111(b)(2) for the school year 2020-2021.
Accountability and school identification requirements in ESEA-ESSA Sections 1111(c)(4) and 1111(d)(2)(C)-(D) that are based on data from the 2020-2021 school year.
Report card provisions related to assessments and accountability in ESEA-ESSA Section 1111(h) based on data from the 2020-2021 school year.
Q: What is the purpose of public comment?
Q: What is the purpose of public comment?
A: Public participation matters. Your input will help the OPI address real-world concerns and understand how stakeholders are feeling about the changes in testing, accountability, and reporting. Your ideas will strengthen the quality and relevance of resources to support the implementation of the working plan. Any comments on this waiver should be directed to essainput@mt.gov.
Q: What do we need and why?
Q: What do we need and why?
A: The OPI is seeking public comment on the local impacts and implications that these waivers could have IF approved.
Q: How do we intend to use the feedback?
Q: How do we intend to use the feedback?
A: The OPI intends to use the comments to inform next steps including using the comments to strengthen the quality and relevancy of the rules and help dictate what resources are needed to support implementation of the rules.
Q. What are the public comment requirements?
Q. What are the public comment requirements?
A: The public comment period will take place from December 23, 2020 – January 28, 2021 [Period of 36 days]. Read more about this topic on the A. What is the OPI Public Comment Process? page.
Please see individual pages within this site for more information about the OPI's public notice and comment process. We recommend you navigate this site in sequential order using the left-hand menu to navigate. To learn more about the public comment process, proceed to the "VI. Public Comment Survey" page.
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