WASHINGTON, DC - Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg, secured a $250,000 appropriation for Montana Schools E-Learning Consortium (MSELC). The project is among $2.5 million in Montana projects Rehberg secured through the 2007 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill. MSELC will help teachers reach students across Montana via the Internet and assist schools in meeting No Child Left Behind Requirements.
"Improving Montana schools is vital to preparing our kids for the future," said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. "Coming from a family of educators, I recognize that. We need to take advantage of great ideas like the E-Learning Consortium to strengthen K-12 education all over Montana."
MSELC hopes to operate a state-wide distance education program designed for and by Montana's public school districts using properly licensed educators. There are currently 40 school districts involved in the MSELC, representing 40% of the state's K-12 public school enrollment. MSELC also offers home-based instruction over the Internet and is seeking to reduce truancy and dropout rates while boosting graduation numbers.
The funds will be used for curriculum development, computer equipment and software and instructional services. MSELC has already spent $250,000 implementing this program. Forty six school districts in Montana support MSELC.
"Any program that can help Montana students get ahead in the classroom is a good investment," added Rehberg.
"We've seen more and more interest in the E-Learning Consortium from school districts across the state," said Bob Vogel, director of government relations for the Montana School Board Association. "Denny's effort has given us a sustainable level of support and allowed us to breathe a sigh of relief."
