New Settlement Could Change Montana Indian Education For All

Montana's Indian Education for All Program Faces New Oversight

Schools across Montana could soon face some tougher rules when it comes to teaching Native American history and culture.

According to reporting from the Montana Free Press, a yearslong legal fight over Montana's Indian Education for All program has reached a proposed settlement.

Proposed Settlement Could Change How Montana Schools Use IEFA Funding

The lawsuit was filed in 2021 by Montana students, families, and several tribes, who argued the state wasn't doing enough to make sure schools were following Montana's constitutional requirement to recognize the cultural heritage of American Indians.

Here's where things get interesting. Since 2007, Montana lawmakers have provided about $3.5 million every year to school districts to help pay for Indian Education for All.

But court documents in the case alleged that in 2019 and 2020, only about 10% of Montana school districts could actually account for using that money on appropriate IEFA expenses.

Under the proposed settlement, the state Office of Public Instruction would have to provide a lot more oversight.

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Montana Superintendent Says Settlement Could Improve Tribal Education

That would include requiring schools to show evidence that they're actually implementing the education program, reviewing IEFA spending at least seven times a year, and potentially reducing funding for districts that don't follow the rules.

Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen said she's pleased a deal has been reached and that it will help make sure students receive authentic instruction about Montana's tribal nations.

The settlement still needs final approval from the court, but if it's approved, it could bring some pretty major changes to how Indian Education for All is handled in Montana schools.