Volume XLIV                           June 2023

No. 329

 Year End Reflection

by Sara Novak, MCASE President/SAM President Elect

Just like that, the school year is over and my favorite season is drawing near. As I look forward to some
summer work in preparation for the next year, I reflect on this year in hopes to make things better. This
reflection brings gratitude for my family and friends and especially for my employees. We had to say
goodbye to some and we welcome others. Colleagues everywhere are in a similar mode, while others
are moving along. Whatever your status is, I wish you well.

As I reflect on my professional work, I also reflect on my organizational work. I am winding down my
time as MCASE President. While I have learned so much over the past 2-year term, I have also gained so
much appreciation for all the many hats so many folks wear. When I was asked to step up and consider
the President-Elect position, I recall the leaders at that time saying “You will gain so much more than
you give.” I quickly saw what they were talking about. I am thankful to those whom I have met along
the way and the friendships that have been forged.

Little did I know that shortly after accepting their advice, running for the position, and getting elected,
the President would find himself needing to step back from things beyond his workday. My path to be
the President became very short. However, my fellow Special Ed Directors and MCASE members gave
much grace. I am so blessed to be part of the larger MCASE team. While miles spread us apart across
the state, I feel we are a tight group and I am proud to be part of it. I am very grateful for Taylor Salmi
and her willingness to be the President Elect the past 2 years. She is a strong advocate and will be a
great MCASE President as well as a great addition to the SAM Board of Directors.

Last year in my role as the MCASE President, I had the opportunity to run for leadership on the SAM
Board. I was encouraged to do so and after giving it some consideration I jumped in. Thanks to my
fellow board members having faith in me, I will be switching that leadership role to the SAM Board of
Directors as of July 1st as your new President. I am honored to follow in Shelley’s footsteps and continue
with the great work being done. Rob, Kim and Marcus are top notch and work tirelessly and make sure
things are seamless in all we do.

I tell my story in hopes that you will see leadership values within yourself. Rob’s message last week was
similar in terms of letting others know what opportunities there are within SAM and our individual State
affiliates and our regional groups. There are many opportunities for involvement. We are in some
tough times for public education and specifically as educational leaders. The support of your
professional organization makes a positive difference. I hope that I can inspire others to become
involved. Together we can accomplish so much. I challenge you to reach out, to step up and/or to
encourage someone to get involved.

Hopefully I will get to see many of you in the coming weeks in Helena for the Delegate Assembly and/or
the SAM Administrators Institute. Most importantly, I hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing
summer.

Education Policy in the 2023 Montana Legislature

by Dr. Rob Watson, SAM Executive Director

Education policy was a key issue and here are some of the hot-button topics and contentious debates that took center stage during the 2023 Montana Legislature regarding education policy. As with any legislative session, passionate discussions surrounding education policies played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Montana's educational landscape. Let's take a closer look at some of the key controversial issues that sparked intense deliberations.

1. Education Savings Accounts: One of the most contentious topics debated during the legislative session was the proposal to implement education savings accounts (ESAs) for special education students. Proponents argued that these programs would provide parents with more educational choices, including private schools, by redirecting public funds. However, critics expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on public school funding and the potential for increased inequality and lack of accountability in the education system.

2. Charter School Expansion: Another divisive issue revolved around the expansion of charter schools in Montana. Supporters of charter schools advocated for increased options and autonomy in education, citing their potential to drive innovation and address the specific needs of students. However, opponents raised concerns about the potential diversion of resources from traditional public schools, lack of oversight and transparency, and the potential for increased segregation and inequity.

3. Sex Education Curriculum: The Legislature engaged in intense debates over the development and implementation of sex education curriculum in Montana schools. Discussions revolved around the content of the curriculum, including topics such as gender identity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and comprehensive sexual health education. Supporters emphasized the importance of providing accurate and inclusive information to students, while opponents expressed concerns about age-appropriate content and differing values within communities.

4. Indigenous Education: Another point of discussion was accountability related to Indigenous education (IEFA) within the curriculum. Advocates stressed the importance of incorporating accurate Native American history, culture, and contributions into the education system to promote cultural understanding and respect. Bills were introduced to hold schools accountable for IEFA implementation, including new reporting requirements for all school districts.

5. Parents Rights: Many bills were introduced related to the inclusion of parents in educational decisions. Advocates spoke to the importance of involving, notifying, and allowing parents to opt in and opt out of controversial education issues. Opponents expressed concerns about the implementation of confusing processes, the rights of minors under Montana’s constitution, and the top-down legislative approach that would remove power from local control, a right that is expressly provided to elected trustees.

These controversial issues highlighted the diverse perspectives and values within Montana's education system, reflecting the complexity of creating policies that meet the needs of all students. While the Legislature engaged in robust discussions, it is important to note that not all issues were resolved during this session, and ongoing dialogue will continue to shape the future of education in the state.

As engaged members of our community, it is crucial to stay informed, voice our concerns, and actively participate in shaping education policies. By remaining engaged and fostering respectful dialogue, we can contribute to finding balanced solutions that prioritize the well-being and success of Montana's students.

Rob

 Upcoming SAM Professional Learning Opportunities: 

The Conference is July 24-26, 2023  in-person at the Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel in Helena.  This event will focus on the importance of resilient leadership in creating and maintaining strong and successful schools.

We have a lineup of outstanding speakers including

• Pete Hall, author of  Relationship, Responsibility, and Regulation: Trauma-Invested Practices for Fostering Resilient Learners, who will be providing the pre-conference workshop hosted by MTASCD that will focus on instructional planning as a team. This would be a great opportunity to bring your instructional team for some collaborative time together! Pete Hall will also provide the opening conference keynote presentation as well as breakout presentations.
• James Bailey, co-author of The Daily SEL Leader, will deliver a keynote presentation and breakout session highlighting the significance of leaders cultivating resilience within themselves before they can foster resilience in others. By reducing workplace stress and burnout, leaders can improve retention rates. The presentation will emphasize the importance of developing resilience, building relationships, maintaining positive communication, and implementing effective collaborative practices. By doing so, leaders can enhance school cultures that prioritize effective learning and well-being.  
• We have partnered with MTASCD again to bring back several instruction related sessions.  This would be a great opportunity to bring your instructional team for some collaborative time together!

You can expect additional keynote presentations and many breakout sessions focused on Leadership, Behavioral Health, Curriculum and Assessment throughout the conference including hot button topics like ChatGPT/AI, The Graduate Profile, & Behavioral Health. SAM AI is a great opportunity for education leaders to network with other leaders and gain inspiration for the school year ahead. 

To learn more about the event and for room block information, please visit the SAM Administrators Institute webpage or register directly by submitting the SAM Administrators Institute Registration Form.

Take time to focus on yourself and your own resiliency skills. We are recruiting 25 leaders from across the state to participate in SAM's first ever PLC. This cohort will be 100% virtual. It will be led by two national experts in leadership and resiliency. As a typical PLC, you will have an opportunity to share and collaborate with other MT leaders, while building your own skills in the area of SEL Leadership. Space is only open to the first 25 who register, so please do not delay. Info and Registration here:  SAM SEL Leaders, Professional Learning Cohort

SAM will continue the long standing tradition of providing a low cost 1-1 coaching/mentoring model with the Leaders Professional Learning Program. If you are new to your position OR if you would benefit from a mentor, this is the right program for you. LPLP provides each person with an experienced mentor that will provide support through 1-1 conversations and check-ins throughout the school year. Remember that leadership can be a lonely job. The LPLP provider can be a great resource for quick guidance or a confidential ear to provide a sounding board in difficult situations. Register here:  SAM LPLP:  1-1 Leadership Coaching & Mentoring, 2023-24 school year.

SAM Week of Excellence:  June 8-10

It's not too late to register for the 2023 DaRud Golf Scramble on Wednesday, June 7 at Bill Roberts Golf Course in Helena.  The golf tournament marks the beginning the annual SAM Week of Excellence.  

• June 7, 2023: 
• DaRud Cup Golf Scramble
• June 8, 2023:
• SAM Board Meeting, 8:00am - 2:00pm
• SAM Delegate Assembly Caucuses, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
• SAM Evenig of Excellence, 5:30pm - 9:00pm
• June 9, 2023:
• SAM Delegate Assembly, 8:00am - 12:00pm

For more information, including hotel room blocks for the events, visit the SAM Week of Excellence webpage.

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