Improving mathematics proficiency for Montana students

The release of Montana’s National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores in 2024 demonstrated that only 40% of Grade 4 students and 32% of Grade 8 students achieved proficiency in mathematics.

These results highlight persistent skill gaps that continue as students advance through the grades. In response, the Montana Legislature, working collaboratively with the Office of Public Instruction, the Board of Public Education, and the Regents of the Montana University System, is establishing comprehensive policies to address these concerns.

Key initiatives to address mathematics proficiency:

• Early Numeracy Skills and Targeted Intervention: Through House Bill 338, passed in 2025, there is a heightened focus on early numeracy skills, integrating targeted interventions in the initial school years. The Board of Public Education has formed a mathematics task force to identify critical skills and implement tools for monitoring student progress to close existing learning gaps.

• Revision of Mathematics Content Standards: The Board of Public Education has updated these standards, which are now available online for review. Montana’s K–12 Mathematics Content Standards define the essential skills and knowledge that students must acquire at each grade level, emphasizing a clear progression of concepts.

• Skills Mapping and Progress Monitoring: The Office of Public Instruction (OPI) is developing a skills map that outlines the essential competencies students should master to enter high school prepared and without gaps. These key components will be tracked from Kindergarten through Grade 8.

• Teacher Compensation and Professional Development: House Bill 252 has increased starting teacher pay to attract and retain skilled mathematics educators. Additionally, current teachers benefit from staff development opportunities and access to highly effective instructional materials to support student success.

• PowerSchool Data System Implementation: With the passage of HB 949 in 2023, the PowerSchool Data system will now provide real-time, individualized data on each student’s progress in mathematics, beginning this school year.

• Revised Teacher Credentialing and Classroom Experience: The Montana University System is revising teacher credentialing requirements in mathematics and offering more practical classroom experience for prospective educators.

Montana’s multifaceted initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to monitoring and improving student achievement in mathematics. Parents are encouraged to actively engage with local school districts to track their children’s progress toward mathematics proficiency.

Success in mathematics will be achieved through the combined efforts of parents, school districts, the Board of Public Education, the Office of Public Instruction, the Montana University System, and the Legislature.

Linda Reksten, a Polson legislator who represents House District 13, is chair of the Education Interim Committee.