Hello from the MTDA offices in Missoula!
Per our posted academic calendars, MTDA is closed from April 7-10, 2023. During that time, no teacher services are available including the credit recovery grading service.
The MTDA administrative offices will be open on Monday, April 10, 2023.
Happy Spring!
Hello from MTDA’s central offices at the University of Montana in Missoula!
With school cost-sharing in mind, we ask schools to take heightened notice of our spring 2023 original credit and middle school drop deadline. Per our academic calendar and cost-sharing information page, this term’s drop deadline is Monday, February 13th.
Directions for putting in a drop request appear here. Drops are processed every day on weekdays. Once the course is dropped, it no longer appears on the student’s profile screen or your current enrollment reports.
After the drop deadline, MTDA will pull enrollment reports for the term and start invoices for your school for the spring term. We will apply charges for each listed enrollment in the original credit and middle school programs. Any original credit or middle school drops prior to the end of business Monday, February 13, 2023, will not be charged the cost-sharing fee. Please review the cost-sharing information page for all program-specific information.
MTDA staff strongly suggests that you review your enrollment list this week to audit your current enrollments. You can check your current enrollments in GeniusSIS by going to the ACTION REPORT tab, then pressing “Get Data.” Please be certain the report is accurate and shows all of the students you want to be enrolled. After the drop deadline, all listed enrollments will be invoiced with no exceptions.
If you have any questions about this process, please contact our support desk or offices, 406-203-1812, right away!
MTDA has released the Summer 2023 Original Credit and Credit Recovery briefing pages as well as the academic calendar for both programs. If your school is interested in enrolling students in either program please review the briefing documents in detail as there are a number of factors to consider during the summer term.
Summer Academic Calendars are now available.
Cost-Sharing fees remain the same for Summer 2023.
MTDA has released Fall 2023 course lists and academic calendars for High School and Middle School Original Credit programs and the SY2023-2024 Credit Recovery program. MTDA is planning on additional course titles that will be added to the course list throughout the spring. The course list will be updated and additional communications will be sent out as additions are added.
Fall Briefing pages will be released when enrollment opens for each program.
Please don’t hesitate to contact our staff with any questions or concerns.
The Senior Exit Information has been updated for Spring 2023 semester. Please review here:
Thank you,
Mike Agostinelli, Ed.S.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR | CURRICULUM DIRECTOR
MONTANA DIGITAL ACADEMY
Phyllis J. Washington College of Education at the University of Montana
t: 406-203-1812 | f: 406-203-1815
e: mike@mtda.org | w: www.mtda.org
Good day from the Montana Digital Academy headquarters at the University of Montana in Missoula! On behalf of our faculty and staff, welcome back to school! I hope you had an opportunity to step away from the office this summer.
MTDA staff is hard at work preparing for the upcoming school year and look forward to working with you and your students and staff. MTDA has several new programs and opportunities for students that we’ll share in the coming weeks via our school administrator and facilitator announcement emails. However, I’d like to focus on three important messages for all Montana schools.
First, MTDA is ready to serve individual middle school and high school public school students in a full-time capacity for the 22-23 school year. If you have students who need multiple enrollments to help meet their educational goals or to facilitate being remote from your school, we can serve students in up to six enrollments in the fall and spring semesters. As in the past, multiple enrollment students will still need access to local assistance.
Second, MTDA is prepared to assist schools that need emergency services to fill in gaps created by teacher shortages. Our staff has prepared a detailed toolkit (http://mtda.link/fullprogram) with specific action steps to help manage communication and expectations based on our experience and national best practices. Should you need assistance in this way, please contact MTDA’s support desk (support@mtda.org) to schedule a consultation call as soon as you suspect you might need assistance.
Third, MTDA’s award-winning EdReady Montana program remains a robust option for schools looking to adopt tools that drive placement, personalization, and competency assessment in mathematics and English. EdReady remains free due to generous support from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. Contact the help desk (support@mtda.org) to set up a consultation call or professional development to implement EdReady today!
MTDA staff is at your service to assist with implementing our services and consult on distance learning theory or best practices. Contact us today!
Best wishes for a great school year!
Jason Neiffer, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Montana Digital Academy
jason@mtda.org
406-203-1812
Updated 11/22/2021
Notice to students and parents: This information is intended for distribution to schools and districts only and may contain details that do not apply to your local district’s participation in MTDA services. If you are interested in enrolling in courses with Montana Digital Academy, your first contact should be with the counseling department or administration of your local public school to discuss what is available locally. MTDA does not take enrollments directly from students or their parents.
Important note for districts: Enrollment for Spring 2022 opens November 22, 2021 We will continue to work to efficiently manage MTDA resources to meet the needs of your students in this and future semesters. We continue to ask you to assist us in making the best use of MTDA resources by thoughtfully and deliberately enrolling students that you believe will be successful in online classes.
On June 14, 2021, the MTDA Governing Board exercised its authority granted by MCA 20-7-1202 to begin cost-sharing with districts in fall 2021. This applies to the MTDA original credit program. Before enrolling any student for the upcoming term, please review our information page regarding payment: link.
MTDA continues to monitor the Covid-19 situation as it applies to educational services across the State of Montana. At this point, MTDA continues to serve in our pre-COVID-19 service model.
If you choose to enroll students that have any impact on their ability to learn or engage due to Covid-related circumstances, you must review MTDA entrance counseling forms with students and their families to help communicate the requirements and expectations of students to participate in MTDA services.
Thank you for entrusting your student with MTDA for an Advanced Placement™ course. We are very proud of our AP™ program, which has experienced growth in the past five years, outpacing the rest of our program. Our exam passage rates exceed the state average, and we continue to refine our delivery and engagement models. We have had positive and constructive feedback from our students and look forward to continuing to enhance and polish the student experience in the program. We, of course, also welcome your feedback!
MTDA will offer our full complement of dual credit and Advance Placement™ courses for the 2021-2022 school year. However, AP™ exam administration and registration are completely outside of MTDA. Schools should keep a close eye on the College Board’s “AP Central” website for updates regarding testing in the Spring.
Resource: AP™ Central Webpage (link).
You must plan and take action now for students taking the Advanced Placement™ tests, May 2022.
As a distance learning provider, MTDA has no role in the administration of Advanced Placement™ exams. We will do our best to assist, but exam administration happens in face-to-face environments and not online.
Please refer to this excellent checklist from the CollegeBoard on setup, enrollment, and ordering tests:
Resource: AP Coordinator Checklist (link).
FOR SCHOOLS THAT ARE ALREADY REGISTERED TO OFFER AP EXAMS: In addition to the earlier fall deadline, the process for ordering exams changed for students Fall 2019. You need to create “exam only” sections for your MTDA AP students, and then order exams for that particular section. Otherwise, the process is the same for your local students.
FOR SCHOOLS THAT ARE NOT REGISTERED TO OFFER AP EXAMS, your options are to register to do so, or, work with a neighboring district that offers AP testing. With shorter deadlines, we recommend that you start the process today to determine the best setup for your MTDA AP students.
The best resource to get started is the College Board’s “Start AP” page, located here: https://apcentral.
The page contains an excellent set of resources on how to get started, including a timeline and contact information for assistance at the College Board itself. The “Getting Approved to Administer Exams” page goes through that process step-by-step. Once that is complete, you will need to order exams, per the directions above.
We know that the processes involved can be challenging and that instructions aren’t necessarily clear. We suggest contacting the College Board first with questions. If you are not able to get a clear answer or if the answer conflicts with what we are advising above, please contact the support desk.
We sincerely appreciate working with you to help serve students across the state by delivering programs like Advanced Placement™ courses. Do let our staff know if we can be of any assistance!
08/06/2023
On June 14, 2021, the MTDA Governing Board exercised its authority granted by MCA 20-7-1202 to begin cost-sharing with districts. The legislature continues to provide an appropriation to MTDA at the level established in 2015.
This decision, which was not taken lightly, was made to continue to offer a wide variety of supplemental courses to all Montana students while maintaining our commitment to deliver highly responsive customer service and support to students, parents, and school communities.
MTDA course cost-sharing fee for the 2023-2024 school year:
This fee represents only a small portion of the overall cost of each student enrollment in MTDA courses.
As you navigate this new model, we are sharing a few resources for your reference:
Dual Credit Courses will remain at no cost-share to districts, per an agreement with the Board of Regents, for the 2023-24 school year. NOTE: Cost alone should not be a deciding factor for enrollment.
Original Credit: $123 per semester course enrollment.
Example: Sally Student is enrolled in Oceanography and Mythology for the semester. The school district will be billed for $246 ($123 x 2 courses) for that student enrollment.
FlexCAP: $61.50 per quarter course enrollment
All FlexCAP courses are broken down into quarter lengths (identified as Part 1 & 2) to give schools maximum flexibility. All FlexCAP enrollments will begin with Part 1 of the semester-based course.
Dual Credit Courses will remain at no cost-share to districts, per an agreement with the Board of Regents, for the 2023-24 school year.
MCA 20-7-1202 provides the following guidance:
“Funding — rulemaking authority. (2) A school district is prohibited from charging a fee to a student who enrolls in a class provided by the Montana digital academy that the school district requires for graduation.” https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0200/chapter_0070/part_0120/section_0020/0200-0070-0120-0020.html
MTDA is not in a position to interpret 20-7-1202 to clarify specific circumstances where you can or cannot hand a cost to a third party. We would suggest bringing in your school’s legal counsel, or alternatively, if your district is a member of the Montana School Board Association, they are prepared for your call to discuss specifics regarding this issue.
MTDA respectfully requests payment from the district for the entirety of an invoice. We are unable to accept personal checks.
Yes, please email support@montanadigitalacademy.org requesting a cost estimate using your district’s previous enrollment data.
MTDA requires districts to identify “Site Facilitators” to enroll students in the program. These “Site Facilitators” are authorized by the district to incur cost-sharing fees associated with enrolling students on behalf of the district. MTDA maintains a list of authorized site facilitators approved by the district. MTDA requires either the district superintendent or school principal to designate authorized staff responsible for enrolling students.
MTDA will annually contact the district with the current authorized Site Facilitators for review.
To facilitate smooth student enrollment, districts are encouraged to contact MTDA to change or review their approved Site Facilitator List by emailing support@montanadigitalacademy.org
Yes, MTDA provides the role of “Local Support” to be able to view current enrollments, check grades, and monitor communications. The Local Support role does not have the ability to enroll students in MTDA courses.
Original Credit:
During student enrollment, MTDA will require a PO number to be referenced for each student enrollment. This can be the same or a separate PO number for each enrollment.
Upon enrollment, the Site Facilitator will be asked to confirm they have the authorization to complete the enrollment process.
For Fall 2023, courses begin September 5th. Students may be dropped from enrollment until the drop deadline, September 26th without the district being charged a cost-sharing fee. After the drop deadline has passed (September 27th) all enrollments by the district will be invoiced a cost-sharing fee of $123 per course enrollment. Invoices will be emailed to the superintendent, principal, and district clerk on record. Invoices will include a detailed report of the students enrolled, PO number(s), and the enrolling Site Facilitator.
If a school decides to request a drop after the drop period, MTDA will honor the request and report a W/F back to the district. MTDA does not issue refunds for drops initiated after the drop deadline (Fall 2023 – September 27th).
FlexCAP:
During student enrollment, MTDA will require a PO number to be referenced for each student enrollment. This can be the same or a separate PO number for each enrollment. Upon enrollment, the Site Facilitator will be asked to confirm they have the authorization to complete the enrollment process.
FlexCAP 2023-24 School Year
Students have 11 weeks from enrollment to complete the quarter course. Students may be dropped up to one week after enrollment without incurring a fee from MTDA. One week after enrollment, the $61.50 per quarter course enrollment fee will be invoiced. MTDA will be invoicing schools after the drop period has passed.
Invoices will be emailed to the superintendent, principal, and district clerk on record. Invoices will include a detailed report of the students enrolled, PO number(s), and the enrolling Site Facilitator.
If a school decides to request a drop after the drop period, MTDA will honor the request and report a W/F back to the district. MTDA does not issue refunds for drops initiated after the drop period. Students that do not complete the course after 11 weeks from enrollment will be considered to have failed and be dropped from the course.
Currently, MTDA requires a PO number for enrollment only. Credit card payments are not supported at this time.
HS and MS Original Credit :
Fall 2023:
Original Credit, Dual Credit, and Middle School will open on April 5th, 2023. The initial course request deadline is August 30th, 2023. The late enrollment deadline is January 27th, 2023.
FlexCAP:
FlexCAP is an open enrollment program and is open for the school year 23-24.
MTDA will maintain its standard drop periods.
Original Credit and Middle School:
For Fall 2023, courses begin September 5th. Students may be dropped from enrollment until the drop deadline, September 26th without the district being charged a cost-sharing fee. After the drop deadline has passed (September 27th) all enrollments by the district will be invoiced a cost-sharing fee of $123 per course enrollment. Invoices will be emailed to the superintendent, principal, and district clerk on record. Invoices will include a detailed report of the students enrolled, PO number(s), and the enrolling Site Facilitator.
If a school decides to request a drop after the drop period, MTDA will honor the request and report a W/F back to the district. MTDA does not issue refunds for drops initiated after the drop deadline (Fall 2023 – September 27th).
FlexCAP:
2023-23 School Year
Students have 11 weeks from enrollment to complete the quarter course. Students may be dropped up to one week after enrollment without incurring a fee from MTDA. One week after enrollment, the $61.50 per quarter course enrollment fee will be invoiced. MTDA will be invoicing schools after the drop period has passed.
If a school decides to request a drop after the drop period, MTDA will honor the request and report a W/F back to the district. MTDA does not issue refunds for drops initiated after the drop period. Students that do not complete the course after 11 weeks from enrollment will be considered to have failed and be dropped from the course.
School Year Terms
Students can be enrolled in a maximum of 6 Original Credit and/or FlexCAP courses per semester. Note: If using FlexCAP for a student to recover credit, MTDA recommends enrolling in one course at a time.
No, MTDA will continue the enrollment process through a student’s local public school, as defined in law. Any direct calls MTDA receives from students or parents inquiring about enrollment will be referred back to the student’s local public school.
Please refer to our course catalog.
ESSER funds can likely help support many implementation scenarios for all of MTDA’s formats, including Original Credit, Credit Recovery, and IPCs. To assist with reporting, contact Jeff Kirksey, OPI ESSER Program Manager, at jeffrey.kirksey@mt.gov
Title IV-A funds (part of the ESEA/ESSA Consolidated Grant application for schools) can likely support many implementation scenarios for all MTDA formats, including Original Credit, Credit Recovery, and IPCs. For assistance and/or more information, contact Tammy Lysons, OPI Title IV A, Student Support & Academic Enrichment Program Manager, at Tamara.Lysons@mt.gov or 406-431-2309.
MTDA Cost Sharing One Pager FINAL by Mike Agostinelli
Do NOT USE THIS FORM. This is a test form.
Updated 04/26/2021
Notice to students and parents: This information is intended for distribution to public school districts and may contain details that do not apply to your local district’s program. If you are interested in enrolling in courses with Montana Digital Academy, your first contact should be to the counseling department or administration of your local school to discuss what is available locally.
Montana Digital Academy is pleased to announce details about our Summer 2021 program for high school original credit. If you intend to use the program, please take ten minutes and review the information below. We encourage you to connect with MTDA staff right away if you have questions or unique situations you’d like to discuss.
Note: This information is accurate at the time of publication. We will make changes to this page as details change.
Important note for districts: Don’t hesitate to contact MTDA staff in Missoula if you want to walk through setting up a summer program for your students. We would love to chat with you about what you can expect and what you might consider setting up locally to help your students succeed!
Good afternoon from MTDA offices in Missoula!
MTDA enrollment is open; however, there are certain instances in GeniusSIS where a student is limited from enrolling without cause. We are working on resolving the issue.
In the meantime, please review our released briefing documents regarding the Spring 2021 program.