From Arizona to Montana: Reflections on Standards-Driven Instruction and Learner-Centered Practices

by Billi Taylor, Director of Curriculum & Professional Learning
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Sometimes the best way to imagine what’s possible is to see it in action—and that’s exactly what 13 Montana education leaders set out to do in Arizona from September 8th - 11th.

Through a partnership with Knowledge Works, School Services of Montana gathered a group to visit Santa Cruz Public Schools, Amphitheater Schools, and Innovation Academy in the Tucson area, where we had the opportunity to learn directly from leaders and educators who are on their own journeys toward developing learner-centered systems. Our visits provided a firsthand look at standards-driven instruction, learner-centered practices, and the structures that support students in understanding what they are learning and demonstrating evidence of mastery.
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Throughout the experience, we observed standards-driven instructional classrooms, discovered how the Profile of a Graduate is embedded into daily school routines and structures, and heard directly from students about their learning progress and the evidence they use to demonstrate mastery. We observed how success criteria within proficiency scales can be differentiated to meet learners at varying levels and saw the many ways educators are working to make learning more transparent, meaningful, and personalized for students. The experience provided valuable opportunities for reflection, discussion, and connection as we considered how these practices might translate to our own Montana schools and communities. We are excited to bring back what we learned and share these insights, ideas, and inspiration with our consortium educators and leaders as we continue the work of advancing proficiency-based, learner-centered education across Montana.  Remember, it is the small shifts that will make a large difference over time!


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Thank you for joining us on the trip! Be on the lookout for our high school visit in 2027!

Billi Taylor, SSOM Director of Curriculum
Melissa Tovaas, SSOM Executive Director
Norah Barney, Anaconda Director of Student Services
Ashley Riddle, Anaconda 3rd Grade Teacher
Vatorre Hekkel, Anaconda 1st Grade Teacher
Tiffany Patrick, Anaconda Kindergarten Teacher
Holly Bjerke, Anaconda Lincoln Elementary K-2 Principal
Kadi Richardson, Shields Valley 1st Grade Teacher
Rob Watson, School Administrators of Montana Director
Chad Johson, Livingston School District Superintendent
Leah Shannon, Livingston School District Elementary Principal
Janine Sundby, Cut Bank Principal
Jeannie Chipps, MSU Education Faculty
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