Governor Gianforte Celebrates Innovation in Education

Governor Gianforte Celebrates Innovation in Education

Kicks off Career and Technical Education week at Jefferson High School

• February 05 2024

BOULDER, Mont. - Visiting with students and teachers at Jefferson High School, Governor Greg Gianforte today celebrated increasing innovation and opportunities in education and strengthening Montana's K-12 curriculum.

"We all want Montana students to receive a high-quality education that prepares them well for the future," Gov. Gianforte said. "Each student is unique and should have access to the best education possible that meets his or her individual needs. Student success, and Montana's future, depend on classroom innovation, individualized learning, and work-based learning."

Gov. Gianforte visiting with students participating in Jefferson High School's woodshop class

Kicking off Career and Technical Education (CTE) week, the governor toured the high school to learn more about their investments in work-based learning courses and apprenticeships, and emphasis on the importance of personal finance courses.

Visiting with students and educators in the woodshop class, the governor learned of the skills students are learning and their future aspirations.

Jefferson High School Junior, Ida, shared, "The shop in this school has been a very safe space. I am in woods, and welding, and in this canoe building class - I love it. In the future, I want to go to Montana Tech to go into electrical engineering and welding."

"This is a great opportunity for the kids to get hands on experience, so that when they're out of high school, they walk right into a good, stable job," said woodshop teacher Glenn Jacobsen.

To strengthen curriculum and CTE programs for Montana K-12 students, the governor last year signed into law a series of bills to advance personal finance and civics education and increased support for schools expanding work-based and personalized learning opportunities for students.

Ending the tour visiting with students in a personal finance class, the governor shared, "Montana students should graduate with a demonstrated knowledge of personal finance, understanding budgeting, paying bills, paying taxes, saving, and navigating debt. It's great to see Jefferson High students ahead of the curve."

Gov. Gianforte has been a strong proponent for civics and personal finance education for Montana students.

At the governor's request, the Montana Board of Public Education last January added civics and financial literacy courses as requirements for high school graduation.

To support schools as they stand up financial literacy courses, the governor last spring signed into law a bill which affirms the state's expectation that K-12 public schools provide instruction in financial literacy.

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