Administrative Rules of Montana Department 10 - EDUCATION
Overview: ARM Department 10 – Education
ARM Department 10 governs education in Montana, including:
K–12 public school administration
Teacher certification and licensure
Curriculum standards and instructional requirements
Student records, privacy, and assessment
School funding and compliance
The purpose is to ensure high-quality, safe, and equitable education while complying with state law.
Case 1: Teacher Practicing Without Proper Certification
Situation
A school hires a teacher to teach mathematics without a valid Montana teaching license.
Relevant ARM Rules
Teachers must hold a current Montana teaching certificate for the subject area and grade level.
Schools must verify licensure before employment.
Board Analysis
Employing an uncertified teacher violates state regulations.
Students may not receive instruction aligned with state standards.
Outcome
Teacher removed from classroom immediately.
School fined or issued a compliance order.
Teacher required to obtain proper certification before returning to teaching.
Purpose
Ensures teachers are qualified and students receive appropriate instruction.
Case 2: Improper Student Record Handling
Situation
A school counselor shares student disciplinary records with an outside organization without parental consent or legal authorization.
Relevant ARM Rules
Student records must be confidential and released only to authorized persons.
Parental consent is required for non-educational disclosures.
Board Analysis
Unauthorized disclosure breaches student privacy rights.
Violates FERPA-aligned regulations in Montana.
Outcome
Counseling staff reprimanded and retrained on student record policies.
School implements stricter record access controls.
Repeat violations may result in administrative penalties.
Purpose
Protects student privacy and maintains trust in school systems.
Case 3: Failure to Meet Curriculum Standards
Situation
A school introduces a new history curriculum that does not meet Montana Content Standards for social studies.
Relevant ARM Rules
Schools must follow state-approved curriculum standards for each subject and grade.
Deviations require state approval.
Board Analysis
Students risk gaps in required knowledge and skills.
Compliance ensures uniformity in education quality.
Outcome
School required to revise curriculum to meet standards.
Teachers provided training on proper standards implementation.
Ongoing oversight by the Office of Public Instruction.
Purpose
Maintains educational consistency and compliance with state requirements.
Case 4: Inaccurate Reporting of Attendance
Situation
A principal reports inflated student attendance numbers to increase state funding.
Relevant ARM Rules
Attendance records must be accurate, verifiable, and reported honestly.
Misreporting violates funding and administrative regulations.
Board Analysis
Inflated attendance may lead to improper funding allocation.
Violates ethical and legal obligations of school administration.
Outcome
School required to correct attendance reports.
Principal disciplined and retrained on reporting rules.
Possible reduction or repayment of misallocated funds.
Purpose
Ensures accountability and proper allocation of educational resources.
Case 5: Noncompliance with Special Education Requirements
Situation
A school fails to provide Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities.
Relevant ARM Rules
Schools must comply with state and federal special education regulations, including timely creation and implementation of IEPs.
Board Analysis
Denying or delaying services violates student rights.
Could trigger state or federal intervention.
Outcome
Immediate development of missing IEPs.
Staff training on IEP requirements.
Monitoring by the Office of Public Instruction until compliance is verified.
Purpose
Protects rights of students with disabilities and ensures access to appropriate education.
Case 6: Unsafe School Facilities
Situation
A school district continues using a building with known structural hazards, exposing students to potential injury.
Relevant ARM Rules
Schools must maintain safe and healthy facilities for students and staff.
Unsafe conditions must be remediated promptly.
Board Analysis
Neglecting facility safety poses legal liability and violates administrative regulations.
Outcome
Immediate closure or restricted use of the unsafe building.
Repairs mandated under state oversight.
District may face fines or additional compliance monitoring.
Purpose
Ensures student and staff safety in educational settings.
Case 7: Failure to Comply with Teacher Professional Development
Situation
Teachers in a district fail to complete required annual professional development hours, including training in curriculum updates and classroom management.
Relevant ARM Rules
Teachers must complete ongoing professional development to maintain licensure.
Schools are responsible for tracking compliance.
Board Analysis
Noncompliance may compromise teaching quality.
Violates licensure and professional development requirements.
Outcome
Teachers required to complete missing professional development hours.
Schools must report completion to the Office of Public Instruction.
Repeated failure may affect licensure renewal.
Purpose
Promotes continuous professional growth and improves student outcomes.
Key Takeaways from ARM Department 10 Cases
Teacher licensure is mandatory; uncertified instruction is prohibited.
Student record confidentiality is strictly enforced.
Curriculum standards must be followed and approved by the state.
Attendance and reporting accuracy are essential for proper funding.
Special education compliance ensures equitable access to education.
Safe facilities are required to protect students and staff.
Professional development is required for maintaining licensure and teaching quality.
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