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Distance Learning
On Friday, September 12, 2008 the Board of Public Education unanimously adopted a significant new avenue for licensure for dual-credit instructors. Under the recommendation students will have greater access to dual-credit courses. This important work began September 14, 2006 as a result of the Board examining its on-line learning rules. Twenty members and five alternates were appointed to a state-wide task force to consider many aspects of on-line learning in a transparent and collaborative process. Over the course of the two years, twenty-seven meetings including Board work and public hearings were held.
Rarely has a Board project received so much interest and state-wide attention, not only from educators but from the media as well. The resulting rule which will become effective later this month and implemented prior to the beginning of school beginning in 2009 defines the methods of on-line learning as well as addressing routes in which a teacher of dual-credit may be licensed. In addition, the Board will require local boards of trustees to adopt policies addressing distance learning and provide reports to the Office of Public Instruction if a majority of coursework is taken on-line. The delay in implementing the rule will allow a task-force to create a process to verify the level of education and expertise appropriate to teach coursework to K-12 students. This work will be accomplished by the development of a rubric to evaluate each applicant by a committee appointed by the Board of Public Education. It is anticipated that every campus in the state’s university system will provide faculty for consideration for licensure. The same process will be utilized for post-secondary faculty from other states. In addition, the new on-line rules allow K-12 licensure reciprocity with other K-12 jurisdictions worldwide. The Board feels that its rule goes a long ways toward providing enhanced learning opportunities for all
Montana students, and at the same time maintaining quality.
"This is a historic moment.
Montana has created a practical means that ensures flexibility and preserves quality," asserted board member Dr. Kirk Miller. Over a two-year period a 25-member task force ironed out solutions to complex dual-credit issues.
Said Steve Meloy, "The Board of Public Education appreciates the statewide attention this issue has drawn, and thanks the collaborative effort among its partners to arrive at this unanimous and national precedent setting rule. I am proud of the work this group has done on the behalf of all Montanans."
Beginning fall semester 2009, all postsecondary instructors of dual-credit courses will be required to hold an active K-12 teaching license. The Montana Office of Public Instruction will provide guidance and technical assistance to postsecondary faculty on the application and approval process for the new “Class 8” K-12 license.
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