Montana Education Excellence

The first resolution, if passed, would identify the COT as a main priority on ASUM’s 2011 agenda.

It’s important that today’s students know this, she said, so "they can dream and become anything they want to be."

Those of us who love the written word and understand just how important good literacy skills are can only shake our heads in dismay at the global trend that has increasing numbers of young people texting grammar-defying, punctuation-less, nearly incomprehensible abbreviations to one another.

A recent national study showed that Montana’s drop-out rate among students from 16 to 19 years old was 9 percent, the sixth-highest drop-out rate in the nation. The Montana Office of Public Instruction’s data show that for students in grades nine through 12, Montana’s drop-out rate is 5.1 percent.

I’m excited to announce a Montana Board of Realty 2 credit course on the ins and outs of water rights transactions in the great state of Montana.

Montana has the potential to be a leading state in wind energy production, and the new Sustainable Energy Technician Program at MSU-Great Falls is looking to train students to work in that growing industry.

Montana’s economy depends on increasing the educational attainment level of all its citizens. The MUS is realizing that goal by attracting academically gifted students and preparing Montana’s workforce.

We need more education of the kind we currently offer, with more assistance to the "best and brightest" to retain them in Montana.

The course is free of charge to all Montana high school students, including those who attend public, private or home schools. Students can enroll by consulting their school guidance counselor or visiting the Montana Digital Academy website.

UM’s team consisted of staff member Tony Tomsu and Jesse Filingo, a student. The duo competed against teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France, Germany and the United States.