§ 20-7-1402 — Legislative Findings -- Purposes

20-7-1402 . Legislative findings -- purposes. (1) The legislature finds that:
(a) language in the form of spoken, written, or sign language is foundational to cultural integrity;
(b) Montana tribal languages are in a time of crisis through the loss of native speakers, writers, and signers;
(c) achievement gaps persist for Indian students, including higher dropout rates;
(d) Article X, section 1, of the Montana constitution established the educational goals of:
(i) establishing an education system that develops the full educational potential of each person; and
(ii) preserving Indian cultural integrity.
(2) The purpose of this part is to promote innovative, culturally relevant, Indian language immersion programs for Indian and non-Indian students with the goal of raising student achievement, strengthening families, and preserving and perpetuating Indian language and culture throughout Indian country and Montana.

Legislative History

En. Sec. 2, Ch. 442, L. 2015.