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Montana Statutes Related to Tribal Education Departments

MT ST 20-1-501

MONTANA CODE

TITLE 20. EDUCATION
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
PART 5. AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES

20-1-501. Recognition of American Indian cultural heritage -- legislative intent

(1) It is the constitutionally declared policy of this state to recognize the distinct and unique cultural heritage of American Indians and to be committed in its educational goals to the preservation of their cultural heritage.

(2) It is the intent of the legislature that in accordance with Article X, section 1(2), of the Montana constitution:

(a) every Montanan, whether Indian or non-Indian, be encouraged to learn about the distinct and unique heritage of American Indians in a culturally responsive manner; and

(b) every educational agency and all educational personnel will work cooperatively with Montana tribes or those tribes that are in close proximity, when providing instruction or when implementing an educational goal or adopting a rule related to the education of each Montana citizen, to include information specific to the cultural heritage and contemporary contributions of American Indians, with particular emphasis on Montana Indian tribal groups and governments.

(3) It is also the intent of this part, predicated on the belief that all school personnel should have an understanding and awareness of Indian tribes to help them relate effectively with Indian students and parents, that educational personnel provide means by which school personnel will gain an understanding of and appreciation for the American Indian people.

History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 527, L. 1999.

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MT ST 20-1-502

MONTANA CODE
TITLE 20. EDUCATION CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
PART 5. AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES

20-1-502. American Indian studies -- definitions

As used in this part, the following definitions apply:

(1) "American Indian studies" means instruction pertaining to the history, traditions, customs, values, beliefs, ethics, and contemporary affairs of American Indians, particularly Indian tribal groups in Montana.

(2) "Instruction" means:

(a) a formal course of study or class, developed with the advice and assistance of Indian people, that is offered separately or that is integrated into existing accreditation standards by a unit of the university system or by an accredited tribal community college located in Montana, including a teacher education program within the university system or a tribal community college located in Montana, or by the board of trustees of a school district;

(b) inservice training developed by the superintendent of public instruction in cooperation with educators of Indian descent and made available to school districts;

(c) inservice training provided by a local board of trustees of a school district, which is developed and conducted in cooperation with tribal education departments, tribal community colleges, or other recognized Indian education resource specialists; or

(d) inservice training developed by professional education organizations or associations in cooperation with educators of Indian descent and made available to all certified and classified personnel.

History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 527, L. 1999.

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MT ST 20-1-503
MONTANA CODE
TITLE 20. EDUCATION CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
PART 5. AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES

20-1-503. Qualification in Indian studies -- trustees and noncertified personnel

(1) The board of trustees for an elementary or secondary public school district may require that all of its certified personnel satisfy the requirements for instruction in American Indian studies. Pursuant to Article X, section 8, of the Montana constitution, this requirement may be a local school district requirement with enforcement and administration solely the responsibility of the local board of trustees.

(2) Members of boards of trustees and all noncertified personnel in public school districts are encouraged to satisfy the requirements for instruction in American Indian studies.

History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 527, L. 1999.