MATH in MONTANA

Overview of Math Resources

and GEAR UP Best Practices

Montana Common Core StandardsMathematics (MCCSM):The Montana Office of Public Instruction has created a web link to initiate and sustain a statewide system of aligned resources to prepare and support all mathematics teachers and their school districts with statewide implementation of Montana’s Common Core Standards for Mathematics. For more information visit or contact Jael Prezeau at or 406-444-3128.

Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM): A professional organization of educators, individually and collectively dedicated to the improvement of classroom instruction at all levels. One way MCTM provides leadership is through promoting professional development by sponsoring conferences, which bring the newest trends and techniques in mathematics curricula, instruction, assessment, and evaluation. For more information visit

School Administrators of Montana (SAM) Leaders Professional Learning Program (LPLP): Combines the research on successes of the SAM 21st Century Leadership Institute and the SAM Mentor Program to provide a unique opportunity for Montana administrators to receive one-on-one mentoring and innovative, project-based, blended professional learning opportunities.Seven GEAR UP administrators have participated in the 21st Century Leadership Institute. For more information and a list of participating administrators, visit or contact Kirk Miller at or 406-442-2510.

SAM LPLP Providers: SAM obtained highly qualified Montana administrators to serve a region to partner with resource providers to gain access to the best of resources and connect them with administrators, build relationships for effective communication so that all involved can learn from each other, and promote ideas so that Montana administrators will seek to enhance their professional learning. For a list of LPLP providers, visit or contact Kirk Miller at or 406-442-2510.

Montana Digital Professional Learning Network (MDPLN): Brings the Montana Common Core Standards to the fingertips of schools across our state, through a variety of high quality online professional development opportunities. Funded by the AFT Innovation Fund, MDPLN MCCS professional development offerings will continue to develop and become available, based on the needs of Montana educators. For more information visit or contact Curtis Biggs at or 406-203-1812 x301.

Montana Providers of Professional Learning Network (MPPLN):Part of the three-network strategy to implement the Montana Common Core Standards, the MPPLN catalogs, shares, and facilitates delivery of consistent and equitable professional learning opportunities statewide. To plan and target school-based professional learning to fit school and district needs, visit

OPI MCCS Liaisons: Part of the three-network strategy to implement the Montana Common Core Standards, MCCS Liaisons provide a feedback loop to connect professional learning opportunities with district leaders and schools not otherwise served by OPI-based programs or MPPLN members. For the MCCS Liaison in your region, contact Colet Bartow at or 406-444-3583.

Math Matters: In collaboration with Education Northwest, OPI is providing math workshops for 8th-12th grade teachers to incorporate the 8 Mathematical Practices in the classroom. Continued support throughout the school year includes on-site coaching, professional book study and weekly resource digests. For more information contact Jake Warner at or 406-444-0706.

Montana Math Leaders: OPI has identified several math teachers to serve as regional leaders providing training and on-site coaching for math standards implementation. For more information contact Jake Warner at or 406-444-0706.

Aspire in Math: Provides long term support to schools and districts in creating self-sustaining local learning communities whose vision is to implement the Montana Common Core Standards for Mathematics. Participants engage in consistent collaborative work designed to implement the intended curriculum, instructional practice and assessment. For more information contact Jake Warner at or 406-444-0706 or Lisa Scott at .

STREAM: Standards-based Teaching Renewing Educators Across Montana: An OPI funded Mathematics and Science Partnership with the goal of helping middle grades teachers bring the standards to life in Montana’s mathematics classrooms through an array of professional learning materials and opportunities. For more information visit or contact the STREAM team at

EdReady Montana: A Math readiness tool available at no cost to Montana schools from 7th grade all the way to higher education. Those interested can work with Montana Digital Academy (MTDA) to use existing assessments or set up custom options for students to measure their math readiness for a variety of educational goals. For more information visit or contact Ryan Schrenk at or 406-203-1812 x201. GEAR UP schools utilizing EdReady include Troy and Thompson Falls. Contact Donna White at Troy: or 406-295-4520 and Karla Padden at Thompson Falls: or 406-827-3593 for more information.

Montana Digital Academy: Math course offerings include Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 with Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus AB, Statistics (1 semester), Math and the Liberal Arts (1 semester) (NEW), and Stepping Stones to Algebra 1 (1 semester) (NEW for 6th-8th graders). For more information visit or contact Jason Neiffer at or 406-203-1812 x102.

Montana GEAR UP Best Practices: Response to Intervention at St. Ignatius Middle School & Booster Math at Libby Middle School. For more information contact Alan Pule at St. Ignatius: or 406-745-3811 x265 and Deanna Malyevac at Libby: or 406-293-8802. (The best practices guide will be available spring 2015).

GEAR UP and Math: Montana GEAR UP schools are using GEAR UP resources to individualize instruction in coordination with Title 1 and other programs to close the achievement gap for students with low basic math skills:

  • Teacher professional development
  • Math tutoring: before, after, and during school with certified teacher
  • In-class paraeducators, tutors, interventionists
  • Math intervention class
  • Instructional software
  • Use of technology

March 6, 2015