Montana Education Excellence

Future thinkers and leaders in the field of carbon dioxide capture and sequestration have been getting an intensive and broad-ranging tutorial on the subject at Montana State University for the past two weeks.

The courses are designed to help elementary, secondary and community college teachers develop a deeper understanding of science concepts while interacting with and learning new techniques from other teachers around the globe. Some are open to non-teaching professionals.

"I admire very much that you are all here learning about leadership and how to make the world a better place for my kids and my grandkids," said panelist Steve Sparks, a Bozeman entrepreneur. "You have the ability to change the world and after meeting you here, I’m sure you will."

Five general education courses will be offered Saturdays when the semester begins Aug. 27.

"MSU has many resources for Native American students and community members," said Florence Garcia, IPD chair and director of MSU’s TRiO/Student Support Services. "And it’s helpful to be able to access them all in one place."

“I took it as a good sign as I watched the judges take a taste and then practically fight over the leftovers, eating the plates clean,” she said.

As Schweitzer and Superintendent of Public Instruction Linda McColloch told legislators, full-time kindergarten will give the youngest students a better introduction to school. It will prepare them more thoroughly for success in first grade and beyond, providing the biggest boost to children with special needs or risks.

Salish Kootenai College will be the first tribal college in Montana to offer a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, according to the Montana Board of Public Education.

Professor Jeff Shay was charged with putting together a mini-MBA training program for the group in record time – a task complicated by the fact he had to organize a seven-week curriculum around the summer plans of 22 business school faculty. He also worked with various other entities to secure accommodations, transportation and activities for the Chinese businessesmen.

The staff for the Entertainment Management program has been busy this summer confirming their lineup of entertainment professional to instruct in their two fall courses: MGMT195 Introduction to the Entertainment Business; and MGMT401 Event Management.