Digital Learning Resources (DLR)

Flexible tools and resources to support individual student pathways

Digital Learning Resources (DLR) provide targeted solutions beyond the traditional classroom, from career readiness and test prep to enrichment and intervention. DLR puts the right resource in students’ hands at the right time, whether that’s a self-paced coding course, a pre-apprentice construction resource from a Montana partner, or a semester-long vendor-taught class. All resources launch seamlessly from the MTDA dashboard, creating a streamlined student experience with single sign-on access. Schools manage these resources locally with support from MTDA, creating personalized learning experiences that complement your core curriculum.

DLR includes the following categories

Teacher-Led Vendor Courses: Standards-aligned semester or year-long courses with assigned instructors from vetted third-party providers
Self-Paced Vendor Resources: Independent learning tools for practice, remediation, or skill-building
Enrichment Opportunities: CTE, STEM, and interest-based programs that expand what’s possible
Partnership Resources: Collaborative offerings from trusted Montana and national educational organizations

Teacher-Led Vendor Courses

Montana-standards-aligned courses taught by experienced instructors

When your course catalog needs don’t align with MTDA Core offerings or your school lacks teacher capacity in a specific subject, Teacher-Led Vendor Courses fill the gap. Third-party providers deliver complete semester or year-long courses with assigned instructional services—giving students access to specialized content taught by qualified educators.

How Schools Use Teacher-Led Vendor Courses:

Fill curriculum gaps: Offer courses not available through MTDA Core or local staff (e.g., Financial Math, specialized electives)

Expand course variety: Give students more options in world languages, CTE pathways, or advanced topics
Meet graduation requirements: Ensure all students can access required courses regardless of scheduling constraints

Example: A high school needs a year-long Financial Math course to meet Montana standards, but MTDA Core doesn’t currently offer this option. The school enrolls students in a Teacher-Led Vendor Course where a certified instructor provides complete instructional services throughout the school year.

Self-Paced Vendor Resources

Independent learning tools students can use anytime, anywhere

Self-paced resources put students in the driver’s seat of their learning. These digital tools support practice, skill-building, test preparation, and remediation. Schools and teachers manage these resources locally, integrating them into existing classes or assigning them to individual students based on need.

How schools use Self-Paced Vendor Resources:

Test preparation: ACT/SAT prep, or industry certification practice
Skill remediation: Targeted math, reading, or writing support for struggling learners
Extension and acceleration: Challenge advanced learners with college-prep or enrichment content
Summer learning: Prevent learning loss and maintain momentum between school years

Example: A school extends a culinary arts curriculum with a real-world simulation and state challenge by using a vendor self-paced resource focused on the business of Culinary Arts.

Enrichment Opportunities

Expand horizons with CTE, STEM, and specialized learning experiences

Enrichment resources open doors to new interests, career pathways, and hands-on learning that might not fit into traditional course schedules. From robotics competitions to financial literacy modules, these opportunities help students discover passions and build real-world skills.

How schools use Enrichment Opportunities:

Career exploration: Introduce students to trades, healthcare, technology, and other career fields
STEM competitions: Support robotics teams, coding challenges, and innovation projects
Life skills: Teach financial literacy, digital citizenship, or health and wellness topics
Interest-based learning: Offer photography, game design, creative writing, or other passion projects
Community-based alternatives: Provide educational responses to behavioral concerns (e.g., nicotine prevention programs as alternatives to traditional discipline)

Example: A school implements an educational response to community concerns about vaping by utilizing a “Nicotine Prevention” enrichment resource through the Clearinghouse, offering students an alternative to traditional disciplinary measures while addressing health education needs.

Partnership Resources

Collaborative solutions developed with and for Montana schools

Partnership Resources connect schools with specialized learning opportunities through collaborative relationships between the MTDA Clearinghouse and Montana businesses, non-profit organizations, and trusted national educational partners. These offerings bring real-world expertise, career pathways, and proven programs directly into your classrooms.

Montana Partnerships:

Resources co-developed with Montana non-profit organizations and businesses
Programs designed specifically for Montana standards and student needs
Initiatives that connect Montana students with local mentors, experts, and opportunities

National Partnerships:

Proven programs from established educational organizations
Access to specialized content not available through other Clearinghouse options
Connections to national competitions, scholarships, and learning networks

Example: Through Partnership Resources, a Montana school uses PBS Media Mavericks to help students voice their opinions, publish to a national audience, and build critical thinking, creative design, and research skills.

Ready to Explore DLR?

Find the right resources for your students’ unique needs

Digital Learning Resources work best when matched thoughtfully to student goals and school capacity. Our team helps you navigate options, evaluate fit, and implement resources that make a real difference.

Close up of student's hands comparing notes on notebook with laptop at home.

Here’s how to begin:

Identify your needs: What gaps, goals, or opportunities do you want to address?
Explore options: Browse available resources aligned to your focus areas
Plan implementation: If you would like guidance on enrollment, the Clearinghouse is here to support you!
Launch and support: Contact your local MTDA site facilitator to enroll students in the programs that match your classroom needs.