Montana's system of differentiation under ESSA uses four federally required indicators plus Montana's own fifth indicator to identify schools as either Comprehensive, Targeted, or Universal. This system focuses on providing supports where they are most needed.
Montana ESSA Accountability
1-4 Federally Required Indicators
- Academic Achievement on Statewide Assessments: ELA/Reading & Math
- Academic Growth on Statewide Assessments ELA/Reading & Math (K-8 Only)
- English Learner Progress
- Graduation Rates (HS only)
5th Indicator for Montana Flexibility
- Attendance
- College & Career Ready (HS Only)
- Science Assessment (Grades 5 & 8)
Schools identified for Comprehensive Support and Improvement meet one or more of the following criteria:
- are in the lowest performing 5% of all Title I schools in the state;
- have a high school graduation rate of less than 67%; and/or
- have consistently underperforming subgroups.
Every three years, the OPI will identify schools for comprehensive support and improvement beginning with the 2018-2019 school year. The OPI will use data from the 2016-2017 school year in order to notify schools during the spring of 2018.
Schools identified for comprehensive support are working in partnership with the schools, district, and the OPI to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of both operational (i.e., school board efficiency, school climate, and student engagement) and instructional components (i.e., leadership, professional development, and curriculum and standards).
All schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement are developing and implementing a Continuous School Improvement Plan based on the comprehensive needs assessment.
Specific strategies include:
- Building community capacity to support kindergarten transitions;
- Building school board efficiency through a school board coach;
- Engaging students in school improvement through youth voice and advocacy work;
- Supporting culturally responsive practices, particularly for American Indian communities;
- Implementing systemic literacy and math improvements through specialized instructional personnel including a variety of educators, as well as library media and digital literacy and math specialists; and
- Use of the Montana Early Warning System to identify students at risk of dropping out of school, apply targeted interventions based on student needs, and track interventions over time to determine if the interventions are working.
25-26 VIRTUAL SUMMIT MEETINGS
The purpose of ongoing summits is to foster communication and connections between stakeholders at CSI schools. This is also a way to give Tier 2 instruction and guidance while fostering regional relationships.
The December Virtual Summit will be held on Tuesday, December 2nd, from 12:30-2:30 PM. Please REGISTER HERE by Friday, November 28, 2025.
When: Tuesday, December 2 from 12:30-2:30 PM
Where: Teams Link
Who: School Board Chair, Tribal Leader(s), Superintendents, Principals, Coaches, Teacher Leaders, Teachers, School Community Members
What: School Spotlights & Local Challenges
Why: What your team will gain from this work session:
- Connect with CSI school leaders statewide to highlight innovative practices that are improving student learning and engagement
- Work alongside colleagues to identify and address the specific challenges and needs within our schools and communities
- Exchange insights and strategies that foster meaningful, lasting improvement
- Build a collaborative forum dedicated to discussing challenges and co-creating practical solutions
Recordings and other resources shared for past 25-26 Virtual Summits and the 24-25 Virtual Summits.
Please reach out to your School Improvement Specialist with any questions.
Additional Upcoming Events can be found here.
UPCOMING EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
Indigenous Morning Greetings Project
Monday 9.8-Friday 12.18
Monday 10.13-Friday 12.5
Tuesday 11.25
Monday 12.1
Thursday 12.4, 10:00-11:30, Virtual