Montana agrees to accountability for Indigenous education
Summary
Montana has reached a settlement to end a legal dispute about how the state teaches Indigenous education in public schools. The agreement requires schools to better report and use funds for Native American history and culture, and sets rules to ensure schools follow the law.Key Facts
- The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed in 2021 by Montana students, families, and tribes about Indigenous education.
- The lawsuit claimed Montana schools were not properly using funds to teach Native American history and culture as required by the state's constitution and the Indian Education for All Act (IEFA).
- Since 2007, Montana has provided about $3.5 million annually to schools to support IEFA implementation.
- Court records showed many schools misused IEFA funds, such as paying librarian salaries or buying unrelated books.
- The settlement requires schools to prove they are using IEFA funds correctly and face penalties if they do not comply.
- The state will strengthen tribal consultation and require regular reviews of school spending on Indigenous education.
- A new website and training resources for educators and families have been launched to support IEFA.
- The Montana Board of Public Education separately agreed to improve education standards and tribal cooperation by 2025.
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