Today, the Board of Public Education's Distance Learning Task Force made significant progress to improve student access to distance learning. Under the recommendation adopted by the Task Force, which will later be considered by the Board of Public Education, students will be able to access courses taught by any qualified individual who is licensed in Montana or elsewhere following graduation from an accredited teacher preparation program. Co-chairs Bud Williams of the Office of Public Instruction and Kirk Miller of the Board of Public Education offered this proposal for consideration of the Task Force and it was quickly embraced.
"I am pleased that we were able to offer a positive solution that will move education forward for our students in Montana," said State Superintendent Linda McCulloch.
"The Distance Learning Task Force is on the move; keeping in balance flexibility necessary to provide excellent services for our students while assuring the quality they deserve," added Kirk Miller.
The next meeting of the Task Force will be March 11, 2008 in Helena. The Task Force will consider and approve further enhancements that will foster greater opportunities for collaboration between K-12 and higher education, and, most important, greater learning opportunities for the our children.
For more information, please contact Steve Meloy, Executive Secretary Board of Public Education. Email: smeloy@montana.edu 406-444-6576
Sincerely, Carol Will
Carol Will, Administrative Assistant Board of Public Education 46 N Last Chance Gulch Helena, MT 59620-0601 (406)444-0302 Fax (406)444-0847 [ mailto:cwill@bpe.montana.edu ]cwill@montana.edu