Op-ed: How Montana Students Can Make the Grade

How can we help our students succeed?

Start when they are very young. Reading to young children promotes language development and cognitive skills, enhances their vocabulary and understanding of the world, and fosters a love for reading. Families with children under age five in Montana can sign up at Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to receive free books every month, and ignite a passion for reading.

Check out different education models. Private and homeschool education has grown in recent years, with new schools sprouting up across Montana. Some offer innovative approaches to learning: Harvest Christian Academy in Glendive emphasizes service learning and a faith-based curriculum, while Heritage Academy in Kalispell offers a university-model blending homeschool with a private Christian education.

Incorporate education into the home. Involve your kids in all the things you do around the house. Cooking, carpentry, sewing, and gardening can increase understanding of fractions, measurements, chemistry, and earth science.

Encourage experiential learning and extra-curricular activities. Activities such as art, music, sports, 4-H, and FFA can get kids more excited about going to school, help them explore their passions and future careers, and teach them important social skills such as teamwork, how to communicate better, and organize their time. After-school robotics clubs and Code Girls United provide a fun way to learn about STEM, particularly in rural areas where STEM opportunities may not be as plentiful. Likewise, the Empowered program, offered at many public schools through the Montana Chamber of Commerce, helps students learn how to think entrepreneurially and start their own business.

Help them excel after high school. We have some great universities in Montana, but is that the best next step for your child? If not, check out your local community college. Many scholarships are available, including the Gianforte Trade and Technology Scholarships for students interested in electronics, construction, diesel technology, cybersecurity, and other computer and technical programs. The Gianforte Family Foundation also offers scholarships through Western Governors University, for non-traditional students seeking an online degree. And if your kids want to head straight into the workforce, that’s great, too. What’s most important is finding the best path forward for their interests and abilities.