MONTANA EDUCATION

​CURRICULUM CONSORTIUM

2020-21 OVERVIEW

- updated July 2020 -

ABOUT MECC
School Services of Montana provides curriculum-based professional learning and development through the Montana Educational Curriculum Consortium (MECC). MECC is a consortium of schools in Montana supporting local educators and curriculum leaders in the development of standards-based curriculum, alignment tools and assessments.  
Our goals are to support member schools by:
  • ​Deepening understanding of new standards and the research-based curriculum process
  • Evaluating and revising curriculum to ensure it meets or exceeds state mandates
  • Aligning instruction and assessment with standards-based curriculum
  • Identifying and developing curriculum tools to impact student learning (proficiency scales, year-long context maps, prioritizing standards; vertical alignment, unit frameworks, assessment resources, etc.)
  • Providing a space to collaborate and learn from and with educators in curriculum-alike or grade-alike roles across Montana.  
includes registration links
MECC Leadership
The MECC leadership team includes Melissa Tovaas, Director of Education Services, and Jeff Blessum, Curriculum Administrator. In addition, we draw on expertise from local and national consultants, organizations, professional learning networks, research-based curriculum design resources, and participating educators and administrators throughout the consortium.
MECC Membership Includes:
  • Access to consortium-developed curriculum frameworks:
    • Templates and resources for alignment to standards and organizing curriculum
    • ​Sample assessment items
    • Sample resources, assessments and units vetted by (and some created by) consortium teachers
  • Unlimited attendance at Curriculum Review Sessions (multiple curriculum areas per year) and curriculum-focused professional learning through MECC.  
  • This year we will offer blended learning opportunities with a mix of in-person regional meetings and virtual sessions.
  • Administrator professional learning opportunities (topics include: Proficiency-Based Grading, Social and Emotional Learning, Curriculum Overview and Alignment); sessions will include considerations for current conditions and future unknowns regarding the pandemic.
  • MECC Advisory - Meet with other MECC superintendents and/or administrators to discuss and provide feedback into consortium plans (3 virtual meetings; 1 in-person meeting)
  • ​Professional Learning (virtual or in-person) customized for your district (6 days allocated to consortium schools, first come, first served (or collaborate with other districts); virtual sessions (2 = one day)
  • Curriculum Programs/Resources Shared List
  • ​Virtual learning sessions upon request as needed
  • Annual Sci-Tech Summit Statewide Conference - August 12-14, 2020 @ the SSoM member rate
  • ​Annual IEFA Spring Institute – FREE (+ opportunity for guest teacher coverage - first come, first served via grant) 
  • Curriculum Director Certification
  • ​Consortium Purchasing for Curriculum-Related Supplies
MECC Advisory Meetings
-for MECC Advisory Council Members (Administrators, Curriculum Directors/ Leads)
​
Superintendents from MECC Consortium Districts (and or representative from district) discuss MECC topics, receive updates, and provide input into plans.
  • August 6, 2020 (1:30-2:30 pm) - virtual
  • November 5, 2020 (1:30-2:30 pm) - virtual
  • February 4, 2021 (1:30-2:30 pm) - virtual
  • April 16, 2021 (in-person; 10 am-1 pm w/ lunch)
Curriculum Focus Areas for Curricular Frameworks/Maps 2020-21: 

  • Math
  • Social Studies (new standards)
  • Computer Science (new standards)
  • Math Intervention
  • Literacy Intervention
2020-21 MECC Offerings ​
  • ​Introduction to MECC Curriculum for Teachers - for new teachers, new-to-MECC teachers, teachers that need a refresher of what’s available and the different resources used  for curriculum alignment
  • Introduction to MECC Curriculum for administrators - for administrators new to MECC or administrators that need a refresher of what’s available and the process for curriculum alignment
  • Best Practices in Online Teaching and Learning - for teachers and administrators interested in aligning virtual teaching and learning with best practices; we will have a few guest teachers share success stories and strategies
  • Math Curriculum Development & Review: Secondary Teachers - regroup about work we started last year; where we are and take next steps on assessment alignment
  • Math Curriculum Development & Review: Elementary Teachers - regroup about work we started last year; where we are and what’s next assessment alignment
  • Math Intervention (elementary) - Strategies and Resources 
  • Math Intervention (secondary) - Strategies and Resources 
  • Literacy Intervention (elementary) - Strategies and Resources 
  • Literacy Intervention (secondary) - Strategies and Resources 
  • Social Studies Session 1 (K-12) - New Standards Review and Curriculum Prioritization and Updates 
  • Social Studies Session 2 (Elementary) - Curriculum Revisions Work Session - Assessment and Resources Alignment 
  • Social Studies Session 2 (Secondary) - Curriculum Revisions Work Session - Assessment and Resources Alignment
  • Computer Science K-12 - Introduction to Montana’s New Computer Science Standards and Curriculum Implications 
  • IEFA Curricular Frameworks K-12
  • Administrator Professional Learning - Proficiency-based grading, Part II 
  • Administrator Professional Learning - Making SEL a priority in your curriculum
MECC Curriculum Review Cycle (updated for 2020-21)
For questions, or to schedule MECC professional learning, please contact:

Melissa Tovaas
Director of Education Services
office ​(406) 272-0021
cell (646) 831-7264
mtovaas@mt-schools.org