Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen says the state’s public education system is undergoing a shift toward hands-on learning, stronger community partnerships, and a renewed focus on foundational academic skills.
In a wide-ranging conversation with Tom Schultz, host of Voices of Montana, Hedalen described efforts to expand career and technical education (CTE) opportunities for high school students by partnering directly with businesses, hospitals, and colleges. The goal, she said, is to help students graduate with real-world experience, college credit, or industry-recognized credentials that prepare them for college, careers, or both.
“We want students to hit the ground running, whatever path they choose,” Hedalen said, pointing to partnerships with health care providers, agricultural programs, and construction and welding certification pathways. She noted that these programs often help students discover interests before committing time and money in college, saving families resources while giving students clarity.
Hedalen also addressed broader education policy debates, including school choice and public charter schools. While Montana does not offer traditional charter schools or universal school choice, she said public charters are playing an innovative role, particularly in CTE. She acknowledged recent legal challenges that paused education savings accounts for some special-education students, calling the disruption for families “heartbreaking” and emphasizing her support for parental choice.
At the national level, Hedalen said Montana is seeking greater state and local control over education funding and policy through federal flexibility waivers. She emphasized her administration’s commitment to “getting back to basics,” with a renewed focus on reading, math, and civics.
The Office of Public Instruction has secured more than $10 million for early literacy initiatives, expanded high-dose tutoring, and rolled out a new civics seal for graduating seniors who demonstrate advanced knowledge and community engagement.
Hedalen said keeping schools open during the pandemic helped Montana rebound academically faster than many states, but acknowledged more work lies ahead. Her message to families, she said, is simple: stay engaged, explore available options, and work together to ensure Montana students are prepared for the future.
“We believe local communities know their students best,” Hedalen said. “That’s how we keep Montana values strong.”
