Missoula schools stand to lose $2.2 million in federal funds that were approved and should have been send to us July 1.

In February 2025, scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the Nation’s Report Card, were released. As we prepare for the 2025-26 school year and as the Legislature has convened a decennial study on school finance, now is a good time to review these results.

Montana students scored above the national average on the 4th-grade Reading and the 8th-grade Math and Reading tests. They scored at the national average on the 4th-grade Math test. The NAEP has been used since 1969 to measure students’ learning. The tests face strong criticism; many believe that focusing on scorekeeping is “detached from the real world of schooling and learning (Stedman, 2009).” Despite this, schools are required by law to administer the Reading and Math exams every two years, allowing for national comparisons. Using cut points, students’ performance is categorized as Below Basic, Basic, Proficient, and Advanced. To be Proficient, students must demonstrate competence in challenging subject matter, while Basic is most closely aligned with grade level.

Questions on the NAEP test should assess what students know and can do.  A question on the 4th-grade Math test in the Advanced category asks, “What is the greatest whole number value of n if 2 times n is less than 71.” A question considered Proficient is a two-step problem: calculate the area of a rectangular board in square feet and determine how many rolls of paper are needed to cover it. Basic questions focus on measurement, reading graphs, understanding place values, converting word problems into mathematical expressions, and understanding math terminology.

The connection between state spending on public education and scores on the NAEP is strong. “The amount of spending (total revenue per pupil, current spending per pupil, and spending on instruction per pupil; in actual dollars, adjusted for inflation, and adjusted for regional cost of living), is a significant predictor of almost all outcome measures, including all NAEP math and reading scores, college readiness tests, and high school completion (Kansas Association of School Boards, 2014).” Massachusetts, a state where students perform well on the NAEP, spends $22,947 per student. Wyoming, also a top performer on the NAEP, spends $19,324 per student. Montana spends $13,771, ranking 35th in the nation. We do more with less, but lack of funding is always challenging.

Montana’s public schools have historically performed well on the NAEP, but that strong track record may now be at risk. Federal funding from the Department of Education has been delayed—and may not arrive at all. Missoula County Public Schools stand to lose up to $2.2 million. These funds, already built into the district’s budget, were designated for critical needs: five teachers to reduce class sizes, a tutor and instructional materials for English Language Learners, an instructional coach, state-mandated assessments, professional development for teachers, and staffing and supplying summer school and after-school programs. Each of these initiatives depends on the promised federal funding.

The looming cuts threaten to undermine the progress we’ve made in our schools, and we must advocate vigorously against these drastic and abrupt reductions with our Congressional Delegation. If the funding appropriated by Congress is not restored immediately, these funding losses will impact our students’ education and opportunities. We all have a role to play in supporting our children’s growth and success. Join the effort to voice your concerns and push back against these harmful cuts—let’s work together to protect the future of education in our community!