Montana Education Excellence

"We will all grow."

Large increases were seen in older students returning to school, the number of students attending two-year programs and transferring from them to four-year programs.

"Research shows that students are more engaged and have improved test scores when they learn material using these methods (that the program emphasizes)."

"One of the reasons that it passed and it was funded was that it was intended to be available to all," Sesso told the board Monday. "We are facing resistance and push back from people who are not allowed in."

Montana residents who would like to know more about how the Montana University System operates can tune in to live streaming video of this week’s Montana Board of Regents meeting in Missoula.

Montana has one of the highest drop-out rates in the country and 25% of those students who drop out are Native American. That is why State Superintendent Denise Juneau is giving a voice to students in her fight to keep teens in school.

Montana State University officials say the university has fallen behind other colleges in offering education to Montanans who work or live at a distance, but now it’s taking steps to turn that around.

The state Board of Regents and Montana State University President Waded Cruzado speak with one voice when they voice concern that MSU loses about one in four students between the first and second years in school. They are also unanimous in their concern that only 47 percent of incoming students graduate in six years.

Engstrom encouraged the public to attend future meetings, as there will be an opportunity for comment and open dialogue.

Students may soon see a change in the way general education courses are taught at The University of Montana, and could have the opportunity to focus on a specific topic that is woven throughout their education.