reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 6. School Districts › Part 8. Public Charter Schools › 20-6-808. Enrollment

20-6-808. Enrollment.
(1) (a) A public charter school must be open to any student residing in the state.
(b) A school district may not require a student enrolled in the school district to attend a public charter school.
(c) A public charter school may limit admission to students within a given age group or grade level.
(d) A public charter school may be organized for a special emphasis, theme, or concept as stated in the school's proposal.
(e) A public charter school shall enroll all students who wish to attend the school unless the number of students exceeds the capacity of a program, class, grade level, or building.
(f) If capacity is insufficient to enroll all students who wish to attend the school, the public charter school shall select students through a lottery.
(2) (a) A public charter school shall give enrollment preference to students who are residents of the located school district.
(b) A public charter school may give enrollment preference to:
(i) students who were enrolled in the public charter school the previous school year and to siblings of students already enrolled in the public charter school. An enrollment preference for returning students excludes those students from entering a lottery.
(ii) children of members of a public charter school's governing board and full-time employees, limited to no more than 10% of the school's total student population.
(3) This section does not preclude the formation of a public charter school for the purpose of serving students with disabilities, students of the same gender, students who pose a sufficiently severe disciplinary problem to warrant a specific educational program, or students who are at risk of academic failure. If capacity is insufficient to enroll all students who wish to attend such a school, the public charter school shall select students through a lottery.
(4) If a student who was previously enrolled in a public charter school enrolls in any other public school in this state, the student's new school shall accept credits earned by the student in courses or instructional programs at the public charter school.
(5) A school district shall provide or publicize to parents and the general public information about public charter schools as an enrollment option within the district to the same extent and through the same means that the district provides and publicizes information about noncharter public schools in the district.
(6) The board of public education may not restrict the number of students a public charter school may enroll. The capacity of the public charter school must be determined annually by the governing board in consideration of the public charter school's ability to facilitate the academic success of its students, to achieve the objectives specified in the charter contract, and to ensure that its student enrollment does not exceed the capacity of its facility or site.
History: En. Sec. 8, Ch. 510, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 6. School Districts › Part 8. Public Charter Schools › 20-6-813. Public charter school access to district facilities and land

20-6-813. Public charter school access to district facilities and land.
(1) A public charter school district has a right of first refusal to purchase or lease at or below fair market value a closed public school facility or property or an unused portion of a public school facility or property within the located school district.
(2) A public charter school district may negotiate and contract at or below fair market value with a school district, the governing body of a college or university or community college, or any other public entity or for-profit or nonprofit private entity for the use of a facility for a school building.
(3) All applicable laws governing the sale or disposition of property of a school district under 20-6-604 apply to this section.
History: En. Sec. 13, Ch. 510, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 6. School Districts › Part 8. Public Charter Schools › 20-6-814. Public charter school account

20-6-814. Public charter school account.
(1) There is a public charter school account in the state special revenue fund provided for in 17-2-102 and administered by the board of public education. The purpose of the account is for the receipt and expenditure of gifts, grants, legacies, devises, and donations given specifically to support the creation and operation of public charter schools created under this part.
(2) All donations must be from a private source and may not be expended for any purpose other than for the benefit of qualifying public charter schools as determined by the board of public education. Money in the account is derived from a private nonstate source and is payable by the board of public education without an appropriation pursuant to 17-8-101.
(3) A gift or donation made directly to a specific public charter school or schools is not prohibited by this section.
History: En. Sec. 14, Ch. 510, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 1. Accreditation and Curriculum › 20-7-102. Accreditation of schools

20-7-102. Accreditation of schools.
(1) The conditions under which each elementary school, each middle school, each junior high school, 7th and 8th grades funded at high school rates, and each high school operates must be reviewed by the superintendent of public instruction to determine compliance with the standards of accreditation. The accreditation status of each school must then be established by the board of public education upon the recommendation of the superintendent of public instruction. Notification of the accreditation status for the applicable school year or years must be given to each district by the superintendent of public instruction.
(2) A school may be accredited for a period consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 school years, except that multiyear accreditation may be granted only to schools that are in compliance with 20-4-101.
(3) A nonpublic school may, through its governing body, request that the board of public education accredit the school. Nonpublic schools may be accredited in the same manner as provided in subsection (1).
(4) As used in this section, "7th and 8th grades funded at high school rates" means an elementary school district or K-12 district elementary program whose 7th and 8th grades are funded as provided in 20-9-306(15)(c)(ii).
History: En. 75-7502 by Sec. 373, Ch. 5, L. 1971; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 352, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 75-7502; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 270, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 150, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 73, L. 2001; amd. Secs. 3, 4, Ch. 462, L. 2005; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 4, Sp. L. December 2005; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 418, L. 2011; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 400, L. 2013; amd. Sec. 10, Ch. 275, L. 2017; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 336, L. 2017.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 1. Accreditation and Curriculum › 20-7-103. Montana pathway to excellence program -- purpose

20-7-103. Montana pathway to excellence program -- purpose.
(1) Sections 20-7-103 and 20-7-104 may be known as the pathway to excellence program.
(2) The purpose of the pathway to excellence program is to promote educational excellence in Montana's public schools through data-driven decisionmaking.
(3) It is the intent of the program that Montana K-12 public education remain focused on continuous improvement and increased academic achievement for students in public schools.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 418, L. 2011.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 1. Accreditation and Curriculum › 20-7-105. K-12 data task force

20-7-105. K-12 data task force.
(1) There is a K-12 data task force established by the office of public instruction.
(2) The K-12 data task force is composed of:
(a) The presiding officer and vice presiding officer of the senate and house standing committees on education and the presiding officer and vice presiding officer of the joint subcommittee for education that deals with appropriations or their designees;
(b) additional positions appointed by the majority vote of the presiding officers and vice presiding officers referred to in subsection (2)(a), as follows:
(i) three elected school board trustees consisting of one each from a class 1, class 2, and class 3 school district;
(ii) three school administrators consisting of one each employed by a class 1, class 2, and class 3 school district;
(iii) three teachers consisting of one each employed by a class 1, class 2, and class 3 school district;
(iv) three technology staff consisting of one each employed by a class 1, class 2, and class 3 school district;
(v) six parents, consisting of one parent of an elementary pupil currently enrolled in each of a class 1, class 2, and class 3 school district and one parent of a high school pupil currently enrolled in each of a class 1, class 2, and class 3 school district; and
(vi) three school district clerks, as provided in 20-3-325, consisting of one each employed by a class 1, class 2, and class 3 school district.
(3) The K-12 data task force shall serve in an advisory capacity to the office of public instruction. The task force shall review, monitor, and provide input and guidance in enhancing the statewide K-12 data system pursuant to 20-7-104.
(4) Unless otherwise provided by law, each member is entitled to be paid $50 for each day in which the member is engaged in the performance of duties under this section and is also entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses, as provided for in 2-18-501 through 2-18-503, incurred while in the performance of task force duties. Members who are full-time salaried officers or employees of this state or of a political subdivision of this state are not entitled to be compensated for their service as members except when they perform their task force duties outside their regular working hours or during hours charged against their leave time, but those members are entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided for in 2-18-501 through 2-18-503.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 400, L. 2013.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 1. Accreditation and Curriculum › 20-7-111. Instruction in public schools

20-7-111. Instruction in public schools.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), the board of public education shall define and specify the basic instructional program for pupils in public schools, and this program must be set forth in the standards of accreditation. Other instruction may be given when approved by the board of trustees.
(2) The trustees of a school district shall ensure that all pupils in grades 3 through 12 receive instruction about the United States constitution and the pledge of allegiance.
History: En. 75-7503.1 by Sec. 1, Ch. 137, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 75-7503.1; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 239, L. 2021.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 1. Accreditation and Curriculum › 20-7-112. Sectarian publications prohibited -- religious materials allowed -- prayer permitted

20-7-112. Sectarian publications prohibited -- religious materials allowed -- prayer permitted.
(1) (a) A publication of a sectarian or denominational character may not be distributed in any school. Instruction may not be given advocating sectarian or denominational doctrines.
(b) This subsection (1) does not prohibit:
(i) a school library from including the Bible or other religious material having cultural, historical, or educational significance;
(ii) a pupil from reading from the Bible or other religious material during free reading time; or
(iii) a student from initiating or participating in a conversation about religion, religious beliefs, or religious practices. with another student or a teacher.
(c) If a school, class, or course has requirements for self-selected reading, a pupil must be allowed to read from the Bible or other religious material to meet those requirements.
(2) Prayer is permitted in a school, on school grounds, and at school-sponsored events, but a person may not be compelled to pray. The school day may begin with a prayer.
History: En. 75-7521 by Sec. 392, Ch. 5, L. 1971; R.C.M. 1947, 75-7521; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 367, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 280, L. 2023; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 281, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 1. Accreditation and Curriculum › 20-7-113. Maintenance of curriculum guide file and publishing curriculum guides by superintendent of public instruction

20-7-113. Maintenance of curriculum guide file and publishing curriculum guides by superintendent of public instruction.
The superintendent of public instruction shall collect and maintain a file of curriculum guides to be made available to districts for the use of schools in planning courses of instruction. The superintendent may prepare, publish, and distribute curriculum guides for the use of schools in planning courses of instruction. The superintendent may solicit the assistance of educators and other qualified persons in the preparation of curriculum guides.
History: En. 75-7505 by Sec. 376, Ch. 5, L. 1971; R.C.M. 1947, 75-7505; amd. Sec. 303, Ch. 56, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 1. Accreditation and Curriculum › 20-7-114. Instructional assistance by superintendent of public instruction

20-7-114. Instructional assistance by superintendent of public instruction.
The superintendent of public instruction shall, at the request of the district or county superintendent, assist the schools with the planning, implementation, operation, and evaluation of instruction through inservice training and individual consultation.
History: En. 75-7506 by Sec. 377, Ch. 5, L. 1971; R.C.M. 1947, 75-7506.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 1. Accreditation and Curriculum › 20-7-115. Private music instruction

20-7-115. Private music instruction.
Schools may grant credit to pupils completing courses of private music instruction conducted outside of school hours and at the pupils' own expense. The instruction shall be provided by a teacher holding a valid Montana teacher's certificate with a music endorsement. The district granting such credit shall provide adequate supervision for the instruction and shall determine the allowable credit for such courses.
History: En. 75-7508 by Sec. 379, Ch. 5, L. 1971; R.C.M. 1947, 75-7508.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 1. Accreditation and Curriculum › 20-7-116. Supervised correspondence study

20-7-116. Supervised correspondence study.
The trustees of a district may provide supervised correspondence study for a pupil when it is impossible for the pupil to attend a school because of the isolation of the pupil's residence or the pupil's mental or physical incapacity. Supervision of the correspondence course must be provided by the district superintendent or the county superintendent if there is no district superintendent.
History: En. 75-7510 by Sec. 381, Ch. 5, L. 1971; R.C.M. 1947, 75-7510; amd. Sec. 304, Ch. 56, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 1. Accreditation and Curriculum › 20-7-118. Remote instruction

20-7-118. Remote instruction.
(1) A school district may provide remote instruction, including the provision of services through electronic means. A district shall comply with any rules adopted by the board of public education that specify standards for remote instruction. The provision of remote instruction by a district is limited to pupils:
(a) meeting the residency requirements for that district as provided in 1-1-215;
(b) living in the district and eligible for educational services under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act or under 29 U.S.C. 794; or
(c)
seeking remote instruction in the nearest district when the pupil's district of residence does not provide remote or in-person instruction in an equivalent course. A course is not equivalent if the course does not provide the same level of advantage on successful completion, including but not limited to dual credit, advanced placement, and career certification.
(2) A school of a district providing remote instruction shall provide remote instruction to an out-of-district pupil under subsection (1)(c) unless, because of class size restrictions, the accreditation of the school would be adversely impacted by providing remote instruction to the pupil.
(3) The superintendent of public instruction shall adopt rules for the administration and enforcement of this section.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 570, L. 2005; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 247, L. 2021; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 580, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 1. Accreditation and Curriculum › 20-7-119. Administration of United States civics test

20-7-119. Administration of United States civics test.
(1) Each public high school in the state is encouraged to administer to each student, except as provided in subsection (2), at least once during a student's high school career, a United States civics test administered by the United States citizenship and immigration services to persons seeking to be naturalized citizens.
(2) A public high school may provide each student with the opportunity to take the test as many times as necessary for the student to pass the test. A student who has an individualized education program under which the civics test is determined to be an inappropriate requirement for the student may not be required to take the civics test.
(3) A student passes the civics test if the student correctly answers at least 70% of the questions.
(4) The superintendent of public instruction is encouraged to annually publish a list of high schools in the state whose seniors receiving a regular diploma, except for those exempted from taking the test under subsection (2), all pass the United States civics test under subsection (1) and recognize these schools as United States civics all-star schools for that school year.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 303, L. 2017.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 1. Accreditation and Curriculum › 20-7-120. Excused absences from curriculum requirements -- notice -- prohibited activities

20-7-120.  Excused absences from curriculum requirements -- notice -- prohibited activities.
(1) A parent, guardian, or other person who is responsible for the care of a child may refuse to allow the child to attend or withdraw the child from a course of instruction, a class period, an assembly, an organized school function, or instruction provided by the district through its staff or guests invited at the request of the district regarding human sexuality instruction. The withdrawal or refusal to attend is an excused absence pursuant to 20-5-103.
(2) Any school implementing or maintaining a curriculum, providing materials, or holding an event or assembly at which the district provides human sexuality instruction, whether introduced by school educators, administrators, or officials or by guests invited at the request of the school, shall adopt a policy ensuring parental or guardian notification no less than 48 hours prior to holding an event or assembly or introducing materials for instructional use.
(3) A school district shall annually notify the parent or guardian of each student scheduled to be enrolled in human sexuality instruction in the district or school in advance of the instruction of:
(a) the basic content of the district's or school's human sexuality instruction intended to be taught to the student; and
(b) the parent's or guardian's right to withdraw the student from the district's or school's human sexuality instruction.
(4) A school district shall make all curriculum materials used in the district's or school's human sexuality instruction available for public inspection prior to the use of the materials in actual instruction.
(5) A school district or its personnel or agents may not permit a person, entity, or any affiliate or agent of the person or entity to offer, sponsor, or furnish in any manner any course materials or instruction relating to human sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases to its students or personnel if the person, entity, or any affiliate or agent of the person or entity is a provider of abortion services.
(6) For purposes of this section, "human sexuality instruction" means teaching or otherwise providing information about human sexuality, including intimate relationships, human sexual anatomy, sexual reproduction, sexually transmitted infections, sexual acts, sexual orientation, gender identity, abstinence, contraception, or reproductive rights and responsibilities.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 316, L. 2021.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 1. Accreditation and Curriculum › 20-7-131. Equivalency of completion of secondary education

20-7-131. Equivalency of completion of secondary education.
The superintendent of public instruction shall issue, in accordance with the policies of the board of public education, appropriate documentation certifying that an eligible applicant has satisfied requirements for equivalency of completion of secondary education. Equivalency of completion of secondary education must include satisfactory completion of a testing program or an external diploma program approved by the board of public education.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 94, L. 1983.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 1. Accreditation and Curriculum › 20-7-132. Firearms safety education

20-7-132. Firearms safety education.
The trustees of a district are encouraged to establish and maintain a firearms safety education course. The trustees may adopt a course of instruction developed by the department of fish, wildlife, and parks, a law enforcement agency, or a firearms association as its firearms safety education course. Instructors from the department of fish, wildlife, and parks, a law enforcement agency, or a firearms association or a person recognized by the trustees as having expertise in firearms safety education may be used to provide the instruction.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 138, L. 1997.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 1. Accreditation and Curriculum › 20-7-133. Pledge of allegiance required -- exemption for students and teachers

20-7-133. Pledge of allegiance required -- exemption for students and teachers.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (4), the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America must be recited in all public schools of the state and may be followed by a moment of silence.
(2) The recitation required in subsection (1) must be conducted at the beginning of the first class of each school day in kindergarten through grade 12.
(3) The recitation must be conducted:
(a) by each individual classroom teacher or the teacher's surrogate; or
(b) over the school intercom system by a faculty member or person designated by the principal.
(4) A school district shall inform all students and teachers of their right to not participate in recitation of the pledge. Any student or teacher who, for any reason, objects to participating in the pledge exercise must be excused from participation. A student or teacher who declines to participate in the pledge may engage in any alternative form of conduct so long as that conduct does not materially or substantially disrupt the work or discipline of the school.
(5) If a student or teacher declines to participate in the recitation of the pledge pursuant to this section, a school district may not for evaluation purposes include any reference to the student's or teacher's not participating.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 320, L. 1997; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 239, L. 2021.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 1. Accreditation and Curriculum › 20-7-134. Access to public high school campuses -- definition

20-7-134. Access to public high school campuses -- definition.
(1) The access provided to recruiters for the United States armed forces by a public high school must be equal to the access granted to other recruiting groups and organizations. The access must include any directory information that may be released about students pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Parents or legal guardians have the right to inform the high school that they do not wish to have an armed forces recruiter speak to their children.
(2) For purposes of this section, "armed forces" means the United States army, marine corps, navy, air force, space force, coast guard, and merchant marine, including the United States military reserves of these services, the Montana national guard, and the service academies and training programs for these services.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 271, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 303, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 1. Accreditation and Curriculum › 20-7-135. Where sexually oriented performances are prohibited

20-7-135. Where sexually oriented performances are prohibited.
(1) A library that receives any form of funding from the state may not allow a sexually oriented performance as defined in 45-8-117 on its premises.
(2) A school or library that receives any form of funding from the state may not allow a sexually oriented performance or drag story hour, as defined in 45-8-117, on its premises during regular operating hours or at any school-sanctioned extracurricular activity.
(3) A sexually oriented performance is prohibited:
(a) on public property in any location where the performance is in the presence of an individual under the age of 18; and
(b) in a location owned by an entity that receives any form of funding from the state.
(4) A library, a school, or library or school personnel, a public employee, or an entity described in subsection (3)(b) or an employee of the entity convicted of violating the prohibition under this section shall be fined $5,000 and, if applicable, proceedings must be initiated to suspend the teacher, administrator, or specialist certificate of the offender under 20-4-110 for 1 year. If an offender's certificate has previously been suspended pursuant to this subsection (4), proceedings must be initiated to permanently revoke the teacher, administrator, or specialist certificate of the offender under 20-4-110 on a subsequent violation of this section.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 719, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 1. Accreditation and Curriculum › 20-7-136. Legislative findings -- purpose

20-7-136. Legislative findings -- purpose.
(1) The legislature finds that:
(a) the utilization of education and workforce data holds great promise for developing the full educational potential of Montanans and in maximizing the effectiveness of state investments in education and workforce systems; and
(b) a systems approach with shared governance between relevant agencies is the best way to utilize education and workforce data while ensuring that the data is only used for appropriate purposes and in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 U.S.C. 1232g, as amended, and its implementing regulations at 34 CFR, part 99, and all other relevant federal and state privacy laws, and any other privacy measures required by the education and workforce data governing board.
(2) The purpose of 20-7-136 through 20-7-138 is to create a strong and transparent education and workforce data governing board with authority over the linkage of education and workforce data gathered and maintained by state agencies to ensure that the data is used to benefit the people of the state in a secure manner and only for appropriate purposes.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 747, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 1. Accreditation and Curriculum › 20-7-137. Definitions

20-7-137. Definitions.
As used in this part, the following definitions apply:
(1) "Board" means the education and workforce data governing board established in 20-7-138.
(2) "Contributing agencies" means the following state agencies that gather and maintain education and workforce data, serve on the board, and are subject to the policies developed by the board pursuant to 20-7-138:
(a) the office of public instruction;
(b) the office of the commissioner of higher education; and
(c) the department of labor and industry.
(3) "Education data" means data collected or reported at the student level that is included in a student's educational record, including but not limited to:
(a) career and college readiness indicators;
(b) state and national assessment data;
(c) course-taking and completion data in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education;
(d) elementary, secondary, and postsecondary grade point average data;
(e) 4-year, 5-year, and 6-year high school graduation rate data;
(f) first to second year retainment data;
(g) certificate, diploma, and degree attainment data;
(h) college enrollment course-taking, credit, and contact hour accumulation data;
(i) attendance and transferability data;
(j) special education data;
(k) remediation data; and
(l) demographics data.
(4) "Workforce data" means data related to an individual's workforce outcomes, including but not limited to, an individual's:
(a) labor and workforce training program participation and completion information data;
(b) wage information;
(c) unemployment claim eligibility information;
(d) employer information; and
(e) demographics data.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 747, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 2. Libraries › 20-7-201. State visual, aural, and other educational media library

20-7-201. State visual, aural, and other educational media library.
A library of visual, aural, and other educational media shall be established and maintained by the superintendent of public instruction. The media shall be selected by the superintendent of public instruction on the basis of their usefulness as teaching aids and resources for schools and other educational groups within the state and shall be made available to such schools and groups on a rental fee basis. The rental fees for the use of the materials in the library shall be set by the superintendent of public instruction and shall be deposited in the audiovisual and media library account in the state special revenue fund. The superintendent of public instruction may use these funds, as well as any other funds advanced by a legislative appropriation to the audiovisual and media library account, for the operation, maintenance, enlargement, and other related costs of the library.
History: En. 75-7511 by Sec. 382, Ch. 5, L. 1971; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 193, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 75-7511; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 277, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 470, L. 1987.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 2. Libraries › 20-7-202. School library required

20-7-202. School library required.
The trustees of each district shall establish and maintain a school library in each school of the district. Each school library shall comply with at least the minimum requirements of the standards of accreditation adopted by the board of public education.
History: En. 75-7517 by Sec. 388, Ch. 5, L. 1971; R.C.M. 1947, 75-7517.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 2. Libraries › 20-7-203. Trustees' policies for school library

20-7-203. Trustees' policies for school library.
The trustees shall adopt those policies necessary for regulating the use and operation of school libraries. These policies may provide for the use of school libraries by the residents of the district, provided that such use does not interfere with the regular school use of the library.
History: En. 75-7518 by Sec. 389, Ch. 5, L. 1971; R.C.M. 1947, 75-7518.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 2. Libraries › 20-7-204. School library book selection

20-7-204. School library book selection.
School library books shall be selected by the district superintendent or a principal if there is no district superintendent, subject to the approval of the trustees. In districts not employing a superintendent or principal, the trustees shall select the school library books on the basis of recommendations of the county superintendent.
History: En. 75-7519 by Sec. 390, Ch. 5, L. 1971; R.C.M. 1947, 75-7519.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 2. Libraries › 20-7-205. Reporting school library information

20-7-205. Reporting school library information.
The trustees shall report school library information requested by the superintendent of public instruction, by the board of public education, or when there is no district superintendent or principal, by the county superintendent.
History: En. 75-7520 by Sec. 391, Ch. 5, L. 1971; R.C.M. 1947, 75-7520.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 3. Vocational and Technical Education › 20-7-301. Duties of superintendent of public instruction

20-7-301. Duties of superintendent of public instruction.
The superintendent of public instruction is the governing agent and executive officer of the state of Montana for K-12 career and vocational/technical education. The superintendent of public instruction shall adopt and administer policies to effect the orderly development of a system of K-12 career and vocational/technical education that is adaptable to changing needs, controlled to prevent unnecessary duplication, coordinated with federal guidelines and requirements for K-12 career and vocational/technical education, and funded to ensure growth and quality programming. In order to accomplish the orderly development of a system of K-12 career and vocational/technical education, the policies adopted by the superintendent of public instruction must include:
(1) a state plan for development of the system;
(2) standards for K-12 career and vocational/technical education courses and programs;
(3) a review process for the establishment and deletion of programs;
(4) instructor qualifications for K-12 career and vocational/technical education courses and programs;
(5) criteria for approval of K-12 career and vocational/technical education courses and programs;
(6) a basis for apportionment of all money appropriated by the legislature for K-12 career and vocational/technical education in accordance with the intent of the legislature as reflected in the terms of the appropriation;
(7) a basis for apportionment of all money received by the state of Montana for K-12 career and vocational/technical education from the federal government in accordance with the acts of congress;
(8) a system of evaluation of K-12 career and vocational/technical education that allows for consideration of the current and projected workforce needs and job opportunities; and
(9) any other policy that is consistent with public law and that is necessary for the proper operation of a system of K-12 career and vocational/technical education.
History: En. 75-7702 by Sec. 405, Ch. 5, L. 1971; (amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 434, L. 1975 -- [unconstitutional, 167 M 261]; Sec. 1, Ch. 434, L. 1975 repealed by Sec. 1, Ch. 4, L. 1977); R.C.M. 1947, 75-7702; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 598, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 11, Ch. 658, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 133, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 3. Vocational and Technical Education › 20-7-302. Repealed

20-7-302. Repealed.
Sec. 21, Ch. 598, L. 1979.
History: En. 75-7703 by Sec. 406, Ch. 5, L. 1971; (amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 434, L. 1975 -- [unconstitutional, 167 M 261]; Sec. 2, Ch. 434, L. 1975 repealed by Sec. 1, Ch. 4, L. 1977); R.C.M. 1947, 75-7703.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 3. Vocational and Technical Education › 20-7-303. Authorization to establish and maintain K-12 career and vocational/technical education courses and programs

20-7-303. Authorization to establish and maintain K-12 career and vocational/technical education courses and programs.
The trustees of an elementary or high school district may establish and maintain a K-12 career and vocational/technical education course or program that complies with the K-12 career and vocational/technical education standards adopted by the superintendent of public instruction. In order for a course or program to be eligible for state or federal funding, it must be approved by the superintendent of public instruction for compliance with K-12 career and vocational/technical education standards.
History: En. 75-7704 by Sec. 407, Ch. 5, L. 1971; (amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 434, L. 1975 -- [unconstitutional, 167 M 261]; Sec. 5, Ch. 434, L. 1975 repealed by Sec. 1, Ch. 4, L. 1977); R.C.M. 1947, 75-7704; amd. Sec. 13, Ch. 598, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 13, Ch. 658, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 8, Ch. 133, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 3. Vocational and Technical Education › 20-7-305. Funding for secondary K-12 career and vocational/technical education programs -- application -- rules

20-7-305. Funding for secondary K-12 career and vocational/technical education programs -- application -- rules.
(1) The superintendent of public instruction shall annually distribute money from the biennial appropriation for secondary K-12 career and vocational/technical education. The money must be allocated to high school districts providing approved secondary K-12 career and vocational/technical education programs in accordance with 20-7-306 and this section.
(2) A high school district providing secondary K-12 career and vocational/technical education programs shall apply to the superintendent of public instruction for funds available under 20-7-306 and this section. The superintendent of public instruction shall by rule prescribe the method for distribution, the form of the application, budget procedures, and accounting rules for the funds. The superintendent of public instruction may prescribe other requirements for the receipt of funding consistent with Title 20, chapter 7, part 3.
(3) A secondary K-12 career and vocational/technical education program in a high school district may not be funded until that program has been offered by the school district for 1 school year.
(4) As used in 20-7-306 and this section, the term "school district" means a district organized for the purpose of providing educational services for grades 9 through 12, but the term does not include postsecondary vocational education centers.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 287, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 133, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 392, L. 2019; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 69, L. 2021.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 3. Vocational and Technical Education › 20-7-306. Distribution of secondary K-12 career and vocational/technical education funds

20-7-306. Distribution of secondary K-12 career and vocational/technical education funds.
(1) The superintendent of public instruction shall categorize secondary K-12 career and vocational/technical education programs based on weighted factors, including but not limited to:
(a) K-12 career and vocational/technical education enrollment;
(b) approved career and technical student organizations;
(c) field supervision of students beyond the school year for K-12 career and vocational/technical education;
(d) district expenditures related to the K-12 career and vocational/technical education programs; and
(e) student participation in workforce development activities, including but not limited to:
(i) attainment of industry-recognized professional certifications; and
(ii) work-based learning programs, such as internships and registered apprenticeships.
(2) The superintendent of public instruction shall adjust the weighted factors outlined in subsection (1) as necessary to ensure that the allocations do not exceed the amount appropriated.
(3) Except for other expenditures outlined in subsection (1)(d), funding must be based upon the calculation for secondary K-12 career and vocational/technical education programs of the high school district in the year preceding the year for which funding is requested. Funding for the expenditures referred to in subsection (1)(d) must be based on the calculation for the secondary K-12 career and vocational/technical education programs of the high school district for the 2 years preceding the year for which funding is requested. The funding must be computed for each separate secondary K-12 career and vocational/technical education program.
(4) For secondary career and vocational/technical education programs, the total funding must be distributed to eligible programs based on the factors listed in subsection (1).
(5) The superintendent of public instruction shall annually distribute the funds allocated in this section by November 1. The money received by the high school district must be deposited into the subfund of the miscellaneous programs fund established by 20-9-507 and may be expended only for approved secondary K-12 career and vocational/technical education programs. The expenditure of the money must be reported in the annual trustees' report as required by 20-9-213.
(6) Any increase in the amount distributed to a school district from the biennial state appropriation for secondary K-12 career and vocational/technical education must be used for the expansion and enhancement of career and vocational/technical education programs and may not be used to reduce previous district spending on career and vocational/technical education programs.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 287, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 337, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 50, Ch. 633, L. 1993; amd. Sec. 10, Ch. 133, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 350, L. 2015; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 336, L. 2017; amd. Sec. 17, Ch. 3, L. 2019.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 3. Vocational and Technical Education › 20-7-307. Work-based learning programs -- requirements of agreements

20-7-307. Work-based learning programs -- requirements of agreements.
(1) A work-based learning program operated in compliance with 20-7-1510 must include a written agreement executed by the pupil and the pupil's parent or guardian, the school in which the pupil is enrolled, and the work-based learning partner. The agreement must include:
(a) a provision prioritizing accommodation of the pupil's academic commitments by corresponding to the academic calendar and the pupil's course schedule;
(b) a provision for periodic assessment to ensure ongoing beneficial learning and to complete the work-based learning experience when beneficial learning is complete;
(c) a description of how the pupil's classroom activities and on-the-job experiences will be planned and supervised to ensure that both activities are structured as an educational environment; and
(d) a designation of the academic credit that will be awarded to the pupil through the pupil's participation in the work-based learning experience.
(2) To qualify for exclusion under 39-3-406(1)(a), the agreement must contain the following in addition to the requirements in subsection (1) of this section:
(a) a clear statement that there is no expectation of compensation;
(b) a confirmation that the pupil's involvement in the work-based learning experience complements, rather than displaces, the work of paid employees while providing significant educational benefits to the pupil; and
(c) a provision confirming that the work-based learning experience is conducted without entitlement to a paid job at the conclusion of the experience.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 477, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 3. Vocational and Technical Education › 20-7-308. State director of K-12 career and vocational/technical education -- duties

20-7-308. State director of K-12 career and vocational/technical education -- duties.
There is a state director of K-12 career and vocational/technical education appointed by the superintendent of public instruction. The director shall:
(1) administer the K-12 career and vocational/technical education policies adopted by the superintendent of public instruction;
(2) prepare curriculum guides for adoption by the superintendent of public instruction;
(3) employ, with the confirmation of the superintendent of public instruction, professional staff consisting of individuals prepared in agriculture education, business and marketing education, family and consumer sciences education, and industrial technology education;
(4) report the status of K-12 career and vocational/technical education in the state of Montana when requested by the superintendent of public instruction;
(5) keep all K-12 career and vocational/technical education records in the director's office;
(6) provide K-12 career and vocational/technical education supervisory and consultative assistance to districts;
(7) prepare any necessary reports for the superintendent of public instruction or the legislature in accordance with 5-11-210; and
(8) perform any other duty assigned by the superintendent of public instruction.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 598, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 12, Ch. 658, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 133, L. 2001; Sec. 20-7-302.1, MCA 1999; redes. 20-7-308 by Code Commissioner, 2001; amd. Sec. 49, Ch. 261, L. 2021.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 3. Vocational and Technical Education › 20-7-313. Repealed

20-7-313. Repealed.
Sec. 31, Ch. 658, L. 1987.
History: En. 75-7711 by Sec. 414, Ch. 5, L. 1971; R.C.M. 1947, 75-7711.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 3. Vocational and Technical Education › 20-7-321. Acceptance of acts of congress for vocational education

20-7-321. Acceptance of acts of congress for vocational education.
The state of Montana hereby reaffirms the acceptance of and assents to the terms and provisions of the act of congress entitled the "Vocational Education Act of 1963" and the "Vocational Education Amendments of 1968" and further hereby accepts and assents to the terms and provisions of all acts of the congress amendatory of the "Vocational Education Act of 1963" and to the terms and provisions of all other acts of congress which provide funds for the benefit of vocational education in Montana.
History: En. 75-7705 by Sec. 408, Ch. 5, L. 1971; R.C.M. 1947, 75-7705.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 3. Vocational and Technical Education › 20-7-323. Repealed

20-7-323. Repealed.
Sec. 31, Ch. 658, L. 1987.
History: En. 75-7708 by Sec. 411, Ch. 5, L. 1971; (amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 434, L. 1975 -- [unconstitutional, 167 M 261]; Sec. 9, Ch. 434, L. 1975 repealed by Sec. 1, Ch. 4, L. 1977); R.C.M. 1947, 75-7708; amd. Sec. 17, Ch. 598, L. 1979.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 20. Education › Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs › Part 3. Vocational and Technical Education › 20-7-326. Repealed

20-7-326. Repealed.
Sec. 31, Ch. 658, L. 1987.
History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 598, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 161, L. 1983.