§ 20-1-502 — American Indian Studies -- Definitions

20-1-502 . American Indian studies -- definitions. As used in this part, the following definitions apply:
(1) "American Indian studies" means instruction pertaining to the history, traditions, customs, values, beliefs, ethics, language, and contemporary affairs of American Indians, particularly Indian tribal groups in Montana.
(2) "Educational agency" means:
(a) the Montana university system;
(b) professional educator preparation programs accredited by the board of public education;
(c) the board of public education;
(d) the office of public instruction; and
(e) school districts.
(3) "Instruction" means:
(a) a formal course of study or class, developed in consultation with Montana tribes, that is offered separately or that is integrated into existing accreditation standards by a unit of the university system or by an accredited tribal community college located in Montana, including a teacher education program within the university system or a tribal community college located in Montana, or by the board of trustees of a school district;
(b) inservice training developed by the superintendent of public instruction in cooperation with educators of Indian descent and made available to school districts;
(c) inservice training provided by a local board of trustees of a school district, which is developed and conducted in cooperation with tribal education departments, tribal community colleges, or other recognized Indian education resource specialists; or
(d) inservice training developed by professional education organizations or associations in cooperation with educators of Indian descent and made available to all certified and classified personnel.

Legislative History

En. Sec. 2, Ch. 527, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 718, L. 2023; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 557, L. 2025.