News Release
Governor Martz Issues Statement on Federal Teacher Requirement Flexibility
3/15/2004
Kris Goss
406-444-3862
kgoss@state.mt.us
Flexibility
HELENA - Governor Judy Martz today issued the following statement in
reaction to the announcement made today by the United States Department
of Education creating more flexibility for teacher requirements in the No
Child Left Behind Act:
"It was a year ago this week that I stood with Superintendent
McCulloch, the Board of Public Education, and my friends in the education community to ask the United States Department of Education for increased flexibility with teacher requirements in the No Child Left Behind Act. Then, last fall, worked with Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico to further raise the requests of rural educators. I am very pleased that the Department has heard our concerns and responded accordingly. I thank the Department for their responsiveness to rural needs. "
"We have always known that the teachers in Montana are highly qualified.
These changes will make sure that our rural educators, science
educators, and multi-subject teachers continue teaching while ensuring that
Montana's teacher shortage is not exacerbated. This is a positive step in the right direction as we implement No Child Left Behind in rural areas. I look forward to continuing the dialogue with the Department was we work to
make the No Child Left Behind Act work for all students. "
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Kris Goss
Education Policy Advisor and Deputy Communications Director
Office of the Governor
State Capitol
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 444-3862
kgoss@state.mt.us
