World Languages Standards
Content Standards and Model Curriculum Guide Documents
For questions about these standards and documents email opicsi@mt.gov
New MT World Languages Content Standards Guidance Document 2026 - This document is intended to provide guidance to educators and administrators regarding the implementation of the new Montana World Languages Content Standards, adopted in 2024 and scheduled to be implemented July 1, 2026.
New Approved Content Standards Comparison Document with Rational -Scheduled to be implemented July 1, 2026
1999 and 2026 Montana Content Standards for World Languages (Satchel)
1999 Montana Content Standards for World Languages (Official OPI PDF)
2026 World Languages Standards' Implementation Video - Links available under the "Helpful Resources Tab"
Revision Documentation
Implementation Resources and World Language Community
- 2026 World Languages Standards' Implementation Video
- 2026 World Languages Standards' Implementation Presentation Slide Deck
- Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) World Language Standards
- 10.55.2101 World Language Program Delivery Standards
- Montana Framework Standards Framework Index
- World Language Performance Descriptors for 2026 Implementation Date
- Administrative Rules of Montana 10.53.1406 World Languages Performance Descriptors at the Novice Level
- Administrative Rules of Montana 10.53.1408 World Languages Performance Descriptors at the Advanced Level
- Administrative Rules of Montana 10.53.1407 World Languages Performance Descriptors at the Intermediate Level
- ACTFL Classroom Resources for Teachers– must be a member of ACTFL to access ACTFL Can Do Statements
- American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese Teaching and Learning Resources
- Montana Association of Language Teachers - MALT – must be a member of MALT to access (presents at the MFPE conference in October)
- AAPPL Form E - Form E of the AAPPL as a testing option for learners of Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, and Spanish in 3rd and 4th grades.
- The Seal of Biliteracy
- Montana Seal of Biliteracy
- ACTFL Classroom Resources for Teachers
- ACTFL Can Do Statements
- ACTF Learn Central
- OPI Learning Opportunities Portal
- Indian Education Professional Development
World Languages Program Delivery Standards
Administrative Rules of Montana 10.55.2101 World Languages Program Delivery Standards
- (1) In general, a basic program in world languages shall:
- (a) meet the following conditions:
- (i) consistent and continual experience with the target language and culture;
- (ii) access to native speakers or experts, authentic cultural contact, and culturally authentic materials (e.g., print, video, audio, literature, music, art) ; and
- (iii) access to technology that provides contact with the target language.
- (b) include the following practices:
- (i) promote confidence in practicing the language by encouraging risk-taking and minimizing verbal correction;
- (ii) maximize use of target language in an authentic manner through student-teacher and student-student interaction; and
- (iii) gain understanding of the cultural perspectives of the target culture.
Authorizing statute(s): Mont. Const. Art. X, sec. 9, 20-2-114, 20-2-121, 20-7-101, MCAli
Implementing statute(s): Mont. Const. Art. X, sec. 9, 20-2-121, 20-3-106, 20-7-101, MCAli
History: NEW, 2001 MAR p. 953, Eff. 6/8/01; AMD, 2023 MAR p. 255, Eff. 7/1/23.
All Content Standards Revision work is viewable and open to the Public!
To follow the choreography of the development of Montana Standards,
visit the MT Content Standards Revision Homepage
Critical Documents Folder Access:
The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a school, school district, or state in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. Our vision is to help students recognize the value of their academic success and see the tangible benefits of being bilingual. For more information on the Seal of Biliteracy, visit their website: The Seal of Biliteracy.
Summary:
Efforts in Montana to enact the Seal of Biliteracy began in November 2020. Stakeholders from the Montana Association of Language Teachers held discussions and meetings and shared information with Board of Public Education leaders. The Board of Public Education requested the Certification Standards and Practices Advisory Council (CSPAC) review the request prior to the Board of Public Education hearing a presentation. CSPAC received a presentation in February 2021 and recommended that the Board of Public Education review the proposal. The Board of Public Education received a presentation on the Seal of Biliteracy in May 2021 and requested the Montana Advisory Council on Indian Education (MACIE) receive the same representation prior to any action. MACIE received the presentation in July 2021 and recommended that the Board of Public Education consider approving the Seal of Biliteracy. In July 2021, the Board of Public Education voted unanimously to approve the Seal of Biliteracy in Montana, with the hopes that an advisory committee can come together to determine the criteria for implementation.
Montana Seal of Biliteracy Advisory Committee Recommendations to the Board of Public Education - Accepted July 2022
Apply Today!
Directions to English and World Language Applicants:
- Complete all sections of the Seal of Biliteracy application. Type or print all information legibly.
- Submit application and documentation of qualifying scores to the Board of Public Education no later than May 1st.
Directions to English and Native Language Applicants:
- Ensure the Tribal Government Agreement has been completed for the Native Language.
- Complete all sections of the Seal of Biliteracy Native Languages application. Type or print all information legibly.
- Submit application and documentation of qualifying scores to the Board of Public Education no later than May 1st.
Questions?
Review the Seal of Biliteracy FAQs and Seal of Biliteracy Info sheet or reach out to the
Board of Public Education at bpe@mt.gov.