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Articles by Elsie Arntzen
Proud to have put students first
Serving as your state superintendent has been an honor. When I was elected I promised to put our precious students first through my Montana Hope, Teach, Learn and Ready initiatives. I am Montana proud that the innovative and dedicated staff at the Office of Public Instruction have supported these initiatives that focus on our parents, families, and growing student success.
How we put our students, parents first in Montana | Elsie Arntzen
Serving as state superintendent has been an honor. I promised to put our precious students first through my Montana Hope, Teach, Learn, and Ready initiatives. I am Montana proud that the innovative and dedicated staff at OPI have focused on our parents, families, and student success.
Government data collection overreach in guise of student achievement | Elsie Arntzen
The Office of Public Instruction currently collects nearly 200 points of information for school accreditation, funding, and assessing the quality of programming and student well-being. This data, which includes student data, is protected by federal and state privacy laws and our state constitution. During the 2023 legislative session HB 949, Generally revise education laws related to data governance, by Rep. Dave Bedey, was passed.
Government data collection overreach in the guise of student achievement | Elsie Arntzen Original
The Office of Public Instruction currently collects nearly 200 points of information for school accreditation, funding, and assessing the quality of programming and student well-being. This data, which includes student data, is protected by federal and state privacy laws and our state constitution. During the 2023 legislative session HB 949, Generally revise education laws related to data governance, by Representative Dave Bedey, was passed.
Secretary Christi Jacobsen, Superintendent Elsie Arntzen unveil results of 2024 Montana Youth Vote
The following is a press release from the Montana Secretary of State, Christi Jacobsen: HELENA, Mont. — The 2024 Montana Youth Vote results are in. Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen and Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen announced the 2024 Montana Youth Vote results on Friday. Thousands of students from across the state participated in the mock youth election, which allows students to learn about elections and practice voting.
Secretary Christi Jacobsen, Superintendent Elsie Arntzen unveil results of 2024 Montana Youth Vote Original
The following is a press release from the Montana Secretary of State, Christi Jacobsen: HELENA, Mont. — The 2024 Montana Youth Vote results are in. Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen and Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen announced the 2024 Montana Youth Vote results on Friday. Thousands of students from across the state participated in the mock youth election, which allows students to learn about elections and practice voting.
Elsie Arntzen: Court order on Public Charter Schools is a win for Montana students
Education leaders have the tremendous opportunity and responsibility to implement Public Charter Schools for the benefit of Montana’s children. Woke organizations, with no accountability to our taxpayers, used our Montana court system to attack me and delay the opening of Public Charter Schools that were passed under HB 549 during the 2023 legislative session. These manufactured, politically motivated delays put Montana students, families, and schools in harm’s way.
Court Order on Public Charter Schools is a Win for Montana Students
Guest Column Legislators, the Board of Public Education, and unaccountable associations demanded that I ignore my constitutional duty By Elsie Arntzen April 25, 2024 Education leaders have the tremendous opportunity and responsibility to implement Public Charter Schools for the benefit of Montana’s children.
Court order on charter schools a win for Montana
Education leaders have the tremendous opportunity and responsibility to implement public charter schools for the benefit of Montana’s children. Woke organizations, with no accountability to our taxpayers, used our Montana court system to attack me and delay the opening of public charter schools that were passed under HB 549 during the 2023 legislative session. These manufactured, politically motivated delays put Montana students, families and schools in harm’s way.
Schoolyard bullies in the Legislature
During the Education Interim Budget Committee meeting on March 12-13, the chair and some members of the committee tarnished the reputation of the entire Legislature with their lack of decorum. These individuals turned simple legislative hearings into kangaroo courts with predetermined outcomes that had very little to do with the actual discussion at hand.
Schoolyard Bullies in the Legislature
During the Education Interim Budget Committee meeting on March 12-13, the chair and some members of the committee tarnished the reputation of the entire Legislature with their lack of decorum. These individuals turned simple legislative hearings into kangaroo courts with predetermined outcomes that had very little to do with the actual discussion at hand.
Elsie Arntzen: Schoolyard bullies and the Legislature
During the Education Interim Budget Committee meeting on March 12-13, the chair and some members of the committee tarnished the reputation of the entire Legislature with their lack of decorum. Please subscribe to continue reading… Elsie Arntzen is Montana’s superintendent of public instruction. Love Funny Wow Sad Angry
Elsie Arntzen: Schoolyard bullies and the Legislature
During the Education Interim Budget Committee meeting on March 12-13, the chair and some members of the committee tarnished the reputation of the entire Legislature with their lack of decorum. These individuals turned simple legislative hearings into kangaroo courts with predetermined outcomes that had very little to do with the actual discussion at hand.
Elsie Arntzen: It's time to unite
It’s time. The Republican party must put our minor differences aside and come together to elect Donald Trump as president. It’s no surprise that Trump won Iowa by huge margins. To the dismay of the never Trumpers and D.C. insiders desperately trying to keep their power, the citizens of Iowa have spoken. The American people want Trump to finish the job he started in 2016. I have done my homework, and I am proud to be the first Congressional candidate in Eastern Montana to endorse Trump.
Elsie Arntzen: It's time to unite
It’s time. The Republican party must put our minor differences aside and come together to elect Donald Trump as president. It’s no surprise that Trump won Iowa by huge margins. To the dismay of the never Trumpers and D.C. insiders desperately trying to keep their power, the citizens of Iowa have spoken. The American people want Trump to finish the job he started in 2016. I have done my homework, and I am proud to be the first Congressional candidate in Eastern Montana to endorse Trump.
Office of Public Instruction urges Board of Public Education to keep teacher licensing fees low
Should Montana increase teacher licensing fees? The answer is simple — no. Why would we consider shifting the burden of covering the cost of licensing to our teachers who are struggling to make ends meet? As I have previously promised, I will not support increasing taxes on our teachers. For some time, I have been working to change the landscape of public education to be more student and family-focused.
Guest column: Board of Public Education to must keep teacher licensing fees low
Should Montana increase teacher licensing fees? The answer is simple, NO. Why would we consider shifting the burden of covering the cost of licensing to our teachers who are struggling to make ends meet? As I have previously promised, I will not support increasing taxes on our teachers. For some time, I have been working to change the landscape of public education to be more student and family-focused.
Keep Teacher Licensing Fees Low
Guest Column We need to remove any hurdle to recruiting and retaining quality educators By Elsie Arntzen November 14, 2023 Should Montana increase teacher licensing fees? The answer is simple, “no.” Why would we consider shifting the burden of covering the cost of licensing to our teachers who are struggling to make ends meet? As I have previously promised, I will not support increasing taxes on our teachers.
Montana must keep teacher licensing fees low
Should Montana increase teacher licensing fees? The answer is simple, no. Why would we consider shifting the burden of covering the cost of licensing to our teachers who are struggling to make ends meet? As I have previously promised, I will not support increasing taxes on our teachers. For some time, I have been working to change the landscape of public education to be more student and family-focused.
Celebrating the expanded educational opportunities from the 68th Legislative session
As our more than 9,000 students prepare to receive that honorable Montana diploma from our 173 high schools, I reflect on this past year and look forward to the next. Future graduating classes will have an increase in innovative educational opportunities. I am grateful that the 68th Legislature focused on parents, students, families and expanding freedom and transparency in education.
Guest column: The Legislature expanded educational opportunities
As our more than 9,000 students prepare to receive that honorable Montana diploma from our 173 high schools, I reflect on this past year and look forward to the next. Future graduating classes will have an increase in innovative educational opportunities. I am grateful that the 68th Legislature focused on parents, students, families, and expanding freedom and transparency in education.
Legislature expands freedom in public education
As our more than 9,000 students prepare to receive that honorable Montana diploma from our 173 high schools, I reflect on this past year and look forward to the next. Future graduating classes will have an increase in innovative educational opportunities. I am grateful that the 68th Legislature focused on parents, students, families and expanding freedom and transparency in education.
Elsie Arntzen: Celebrating the expanded educational opportunities from the 68th Legislative session
Share this article paywall-free. As our more than 9,000 students prepare to receive that honorable Montana diploma from our 173 high schools, I reflect on this past year and look forward to the next. Future graduating classes will have an increase in innovative educational opportunities. I am grateful that the 68th Legislature focused on parents, students, families and expanding freedom and transparency in education.
Celebrating the Expanded Educational Opportunities from the 68th Legislative Session
Guest Column As State Superintendent I championed four legislative requests that put our Montana students first By Elsie Arntzen May 31, 2023 As our more than 9,000 students prepare to receive that honorable Montana diploma from our 173 high schools, I reflect on this past year and look forward to the next. Future graduating classes will have an increase in innovative educational opportunities.
Celebrating the expanded educational opportunities from the 68th Legislative session
Gift this article Share this article paywall-free. As our more than 9,000 students prepare to receive that honorable Montana diploma from our 173 high schools, I reflect on this past year and look forward to the next. Future graduating classes will have an increase in innovative educational opportunities. I am grateful that the 68th Legislature focused on parents, students, families and expanding freedom and transparency in education.
Elsie Arntzen: Celebrating the expanded educational opportunities from the 68th Legislative session
Share this article paywall-free. As our more than 9,000 students prepare to receive that honorable Montana diploma from our 173 high schools, I reflect on this past year and look forward to the next. Future graduating classes will have an increase in innovative educational opportunities. I am grateful that the 68th Legislature focused on parents, students, families and expanding freedom and transparency in education.
Elsie Arntzen: Community discussions on education delve into spicy topics
I am so proud of Montana’s voices in the community education discussions that took place during December and March. I traveled nearly 1,900 miles visiting Kalispell, Stevensville, Billings, Great Falls, Miles City, Sidney, Havre, Lewistown and Butte. Of our 400-plus Montana school districts, these locations represent areas in each of the nine membership regions for the Montana Association of School Superintendents (MASS).
Community discussions on education delve into spicy topics
I am so proud of Montana's voices in the community education discussions that took place during December and March. I traveled nearly 1,900 miles between Kalispell, Stevensville, Billings, Great Falls, Miles City, Sidney, Havre, Lewistown and Butte - thank goodness for my four-wheel drive truck. Of our 400-plus Montana school districts, these locations represent areas in each of the nine membership regions for the Montana Association of School Superintendents (MASS).
Discussions on education delve into spicy topics
I am so proud of Montana’s voices in the community education discussions that took place during December and March. I traveled nearly 1,900 miles between Kalispell, Stevensville, Billings, Great Falls, Miles City, Sidney, Havre, Lewistown, and Butte – thank goodness for my four-wheel drive truck. Of our 400-plus Montana school districts, these locations represent areas in each of the nine membership regions for the Montana Association of School Superintendents (MASS).
Montana Superintendent Arntzen Moves to Online Testing for the ACT with Writing
Dispatchist News from around the globe in real time Client login Montana Superintendent Arntzen Moves to Online Testing for the ACT with Writing HELENA – Superintendent Elsie Arntzen is implementing a first-time statewide online testing platform for the spring ACT with Writing. Districts were able to request paper options for students.
A new formula for academic success in Montana
When school doors open with the first bell ringing, the focus in Montana will be on student learning. The basics of math and reading are the keys to delivering educational excellence to our Montana students.
Constitutional Promise for A New School Year
When school doors open with the first bell ringing, the focus in Montana will be on student learning! The basics of math and reading are the keys to delivering educational excellence to our Montana students.
Guest column: A new school year and a constitutional promise
When school doors open with the first bell ringing, the focus in Montana will be on student learning! The basics of math and reading are the keys to delivering educational excellence to our Montana students.
Constitutional promise for a new school year
When school doors open with the first bell ringing, the focus in Montana will be on student learning. The basics of math and reading are the keys to delivering educational excellence to our Montana students.
Elsie Arntzen: Constitutional promise for a new school year
When school doors open with the first bell ringing, the focus in Montana will be on student learning! The basics of math and reading are the keys to delivering educational excellence to our Montana students.
Guest column: Achieving educational excellence through local control
State funding has never been removed from a school due to not meeting state accreditation standards. State accreditation standards measure how schools achieve educational excellence. The current accreditation system is twofold: (1) assurances as adult staffing ratios with programming standards and (2) student academics. Even if the assurance standards are met, the measure of academic success requires only 15% of students to receive a C grade or better to be state accredited.
Educational excellence through local control
State funding has never been removed from a school due to not meeting state accreditation standards. State accreditation standards measure how schools achieve educational excellence. The current accreditation system is twofold: (1) assurances as adult staffing ratios with programming standards and (2) student academics. Even if the assurance standards are met, the measure of academic success requires only 15% of students to receive a C grade or better to be state accredited.
Elsie Arntzen: Achieving educational excellence through local control
State funding has never been removed from a school due to not meeting state accreditation standards. State accreditation standards measure how schools achieve educational excellence. The current accreditation system is twofold: (1) assurances as adult staffing ratios with programming standards and (2) student academics. Even if the assurance standards are met, the measure of academic success requires only 15% of students to receive a C grade or better to be state accredited.
Elsie Arntzen: Montana students deserve educational excellence
I believe local control is the best way to ensure government serves the people and communities. Now more than ever it is a priority that the delivery and accountability of education be placed back in the hands of the people. That is the pure definition of local control. Trust must be rebuilt after two years of mandates being pushed through schools and attacks on parental rights.
Elsie Arntzen: Let's get back to basics
In education, the work is never done! The last two years put a spotlight on learning and opened the door for opportunities to mend genuine communication between school trustees, school administrators, and our parents. An “us versus them” mentality is harmful to learning. Montana must always put our students first while focusing on quality instruction in the classroom.
Partnership between families, schools critical
I have great pride in the continued work of advancing learning at the Office of Public Instruction. As the end of this 2021-2022 school year nears, we celebrate Montana teachers and teacher-leaders for going above and beyond to serve our students. We are grateful for their support and leadership. Communities across our state recognize the importance of parents in children’s education. Parents are the first teachers.
Guest view: Montana's continuing commitment to education
I have great pride in the continued work of advancing learning at the Office of Public Instruction (OPI). As the end of this 2021-2022 school year nears, we celebrate Montana teachers and teacher-leaders for going above and beyond to serve our students. We are grateful for their support and leadership. Communities across our state recognize the importance of parents in children’s education. Parents are the first teachers.
Innovation and flexibility is critical to teacher licensing
Throughout my tenure as your Montana State Superintendent, I have consistently discussed and evaluated the need to recruit and retain quality teachers in our Montana public schools. Unprecedented pressures and intensified mandates have severely impacted the teacher role. As a former teacher, I empathize with the 16,305 licensed and paraprofessional educators in our Montana schools. Flexibility is demanded to recruit, retain, and support Montana teachers.
Civics education for Montana students must reject fringe thinking
by Elsie Arntzen | May 20, 2021 1:00 AM Today’s students are tomorrow’s citizens. We need all Montanans to understand, and care about, the future of our state and nation. We need them to study our founding documents, and understand what makes the United States so exceptional.
Governor Continues to Block Office of Public Instruction from the Table
Opinion | Guest Column I would rather be talking about the positive vision for Montana education than the governor’s vacant leadership lacking transparency By Elsie Arntzen // Aug 6, 2020 I am optimistic for the coming school year. I would rather be talking about the positive vision for Montana education than the governor’s vacant leadership lacking transparency.
Bullock continues to block OPI from the table
by Elsie Arntzen | August 2, 2020 1:00 AM I am optimistic for the coming school year. I would rather be talking about the positive vision for Montana education than the Governor’s vacant leadership lacking transparency. On March 3, the Governor created Montana’s Coronavirus Task Force, leaving out a significant sector impacted by COVID-19; the education community. Under pressure, the Governor’s staff allowed the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) to participate.
Governor continues to block Office of Public Instruction from the table
Governor continues to block Office of Public Instruction from the table Return to homepage × Please subscribe to keep reading. You can cancel at any time. Already a subscriber? Log in or Activate your account. Loading&hellp; × Sign Up Today and Support Local Journalism Enjoy more articles from Missoula's Most Trusted Information Source. Subscribers can log in for unlimited digital access I am optimistic for the coming school year.
Putting local control back into education in Montana
Local control is returning to our school districts! During these unprecedented times, as the State Superintendent, I have made strong recommendations to the Governor to honor local control and flexibility for our schools. The Governor’s new directive for a phased reopening of our state includes that education decisions should be made by local school trustees while ensuring social distancing guidelines are met. In Montana, we trust our trustees.
Guest column: Putting local control back into education in Montana
OPINION Elsie Arntzen, superintendent of public instruction, Guest column Published 9:13 a.m. MT April 25, 2020 Local control is returning to our school districts. During these unprecedented times, as the state superintendent, I have made strong recommendations to the governor to honor local control and flexibility for our schools.
Schools, families lead their communities through unprecedented circumstances
Schools, families lead their communities through unprecedented circumstances This week, I had a conversation with U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to discuss national responses to the COVID-19 outbreak and how the U.S. Department of Education can assist Montana schools. I encouraged flexibility for Montana schools. We also discussed equitable alternative education delivery and what that looks like in rural Montana, especially for special education and other at-risk student groups.
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