Supporters Say Clarifying "Proficiency-Based Learning" Will Allow More Students to Personalize Their Education

Supporters of a bill that aims to allow more Montana students to access so-called “proficiency-based learning” say it is essential to keeping students interested in school.

Sen. Shannon O’Brien, D-Missoula, is sponsoring Senate Bill 8 on behalf of the Education Interim Committee. The bill would add definitions of proficiency-based learning, which O’Brien said will help guide administrators and school employees using the program.

The bill defines “proficiency-based learning” as an “education system in which student progress is based on a student’s demonstration of knowledge and skills, not seat time or the age or grade level of the student.”

Essentially, these programs allow students to test out of classes they are proficient in, allowing them to take off-campus courses and personalize their education.

“We believe that these types of programs help us reach the people’s goal of developing the full educational potential of each person,” Rob Watson, executive director of the School Administrators of Montana, said.

David Smith, executive director of the Montana Contractors Association and a supporter of the bill, told lawmakers about a program that his group sponsors called “Build Montana.” The program allows students in Billings, the Flathead and Missoula who are able to demonstrate proficiency in in-school classes to get the time away to get real-life experience in construction.

“The point is that they’re learning things that they can’t learn in school, and it really is hands-on, and seeing it is just the best way for a lot of young people to learn,” Smith said.

O’Brien and other supporters said SB 8 is a cleanup bill, meant to ensure that school teachers and administrators understand the intention of alternative school programs.

Transformational learning programs like Build Montana are not being used in every school district. Districts have to apply for grants and demonstrate the progress of the programs.

The Board of Education, Office of Public Instruction, School Board Association, Governor’s Office, and others helped craft the bill.

There were no opponents at the bill’s hearing.