STARS Information
Introduction
The Shared Strategies to Support American Indian Students document is a direct result of Tribal consultation and community participation. Through a series of conversations with OPI staff, Tribal leaders and their departments, community members, language instructors, school staff, and youth, we collaborated to identify effective strategies schools may consider implementing to support youth and to strengthen school and community supports for years to come.
These efforts are grounded in place‑based traditional strategies for success and are informed by federal guidance on the use of ESSER III funds. We gathered skilled and knowledgeable stakeholders to share the good work happening in their schools and communities and to disseminate those practices across the state as they relate to enrichment.
Academic enrichment provides opportunities for inclusion and educational evolution as schools adapt and braid philosophies, methodologies, and practices that support American Indian students and help center and balance the educational journeys they are on.
In October 2021, OPI staff convened cultural Elders and knowledge keepers from every Tribal nation in Montana and formed the Elder and Cultural Wisdom Council (ECWC), which was renamed the Knowledge Keepers of Indigenous Nations (KKIN) in September 2022. OPI staff supported KKIN in organizing as a collective group and creating avenues for knowledge sharing and consultation for those who seek it.
KKIN continues to operate as an independent body of Knowledge Keepers and provides consultation to OPI and other organizations seeking assistance with cultural approaches to holistic youth development, as well as other forms of Indigenous knowledge.
Teacher Incentive Application
Districts must complete an application for Teacher Incentive funding to demonstrate their commitment to meeting the legislative goals for fiscal year 2026. These goals include:
- Teacher base pay that is at least 11 times the Quality Educator Component (QEC) amount for the application year.
- Teacher base pay that is at least 62% of the average teacher pay in fiscal year 2025.
Applications are located in the MAEFAIRS system under Data Entry → Teacher Incentive.
An application must be submitted for each local education (LE) entity. Separate applications are required for Elementary and High School districts. A K–12 district will submit one application.
Applications must be completed on or before December 1, 2025.
Application Resources
Contacts
Legislative Liaison
Katie Bloodgood
(406) 444-2082
School Finance
Autumn Warren
(406) 444-9852
Cori Opie
(406) 444-3533
Career and Technical Education
Shannon Boswell
(406) 444-7915
Future Ready Incentive Funding
The new legislation expands personalized career and technical education (CTE) opportunities for middle and high school students, increases postsecondary dual credit options, motivates students to explore postsecondary education, and gives districts more flexibility to prepare students for college and career success.
Districts with graduating students who earned any of the following outcomes may be eligible for Future Ready incentive funding beginning in the 2027–28 academic year.
- Postsecondary Credits – Students who are eligible to receive transcripted credit within the Montana University System after completing a course of study offered by a high school or K–12 district.
- CTE‑Equivalency Credits – Students who attain an industry‑recognized credential or combination of credentials, or who complete a state‑approved work‑based learning experience.
- Associate’s Degree – Students who earn an associate’s degree while enrolled in high school.
District payments are based on the number of eighth‑grade or high school graduates who achieve these outcomes two years before the current academic year. The first Future Ready incentive payments will occur in the 2027–28 academic year and will be calculated using data from the graduating class of 2026 so that districts and state agencies have sufficient time to collect, audit, and verify results.
The Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) and the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education (OCHE) are working with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry and other state agencies to develop statewide policies and guidelines for implementing the new legislation. Additional information about Future Ready implementation will be shared as it becomes available.
Future Ready Funding Components
Qualifying Credits
Incentive funding is based on student attainment of the following criteria.
Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRCs)
The Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has identified a list of industry-recognized credentials (IRCs) eligible for incentive funding . These credentials must lead to enhanced employment opportunities that offer higher compensation and, where feasible, are stackable toward further credentialing. While districts have flexibility in selecting which IRCs to offer, only those listed in the Montana Credential Registry are eligible for incentive funding.
Dual Enrollment
High school graduates who complete a course of study that is eligible for transcripted credit at any unit of the Montana University System may qualify for Future Ready incentive funding. Academic (AP/IB) and career and technical education credits count toward the goal-level thresholds. Credit amounts depend on the type and number of credits a student earns.
Work-Based Learning (WBL)
Work-based learning includes a continuum of instructional experiences that help students build skills and apply classroom learning in a work setting. Districts with high school graduates who successfully complete a WBL course that is part of an approved CTE program may be eligible to apply these course credits in the future. Because WBL offerings must be validated, WBL credits are not expected to be eligible for consideration in the 2027–28 academic year. OPI will provide additional information as it becomes available.
Associate’s Degree
A student who earns an associate-level degree before high school graduation may qualify toward the incentive criteria.
Incentive awards are made based on three levels. Credit totals may be calculated using postsecondary credits, CTE-equivalent credits, or a combination of both.
| Goal | Eligibility | High School District Payment | Elementary District or K-12 District Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Any combination of 15 postsecondary or CTE equivalency credits | 10% ANB (≈ $800) | 10% ANB (≈ $600) |
| Level 2 | Any combination of 30 or more postsecondary or CTE equivalency credits | 20% ANB (≈ $1,600) | 20% ANB (≈ $1,200) |
| Level 3 | Associate-level degree | 30% ANB (≈ $2,400) | 30% ANB (≈ $1,800) |
FAQ
The Office of Public Instruction recognizes that some districts, including those serving small, rural communities may face challenges in offering access to industry-recognized credentials, dual or concurrent credit-bearing coursework or work-based learning experiences. Options for offering qualifying coursework do exist, including virtual or distance-learning technologies, school-based enterprises, and/or simulated work-based learning. Contact staff at Montana’s Department of Career, Technical, and Adult Education for assistance.
The Office of Public Instruction is collaborating with the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education to develop new data collection systems. Districts will likely need to submit additional data via Infinite Campus to report on the outcomes of graduating students. Additional information and training will be provided as this information becomes available.
Implemention Timeline for 2027-28 Academic Year
| Date | Implementation |
|---|---|
| June 2026 |
|
| July–September 2026 |
|
| December 31, 2026 |
|
| January–February 2027 |
|
| April–June 2027 |
|
| September 2027 | First year of Future Ready incentive funding awarded based on 2025–26 graduates |