It is the goal of the legislature that Montana's public elementary and secondary school system, in cooperation with parents or guardians, create a learning environment for each student that:

1. (1) develops a sound foundation for literacy and numeracy during the early years that is built upon and reinforced throughout the educational experience;
2. (2) furthers the ability to reason critically, creatively, and strategically;
3. (3) fosters the ability to effectively understand and communicate ideas, knowledge, and thoughts;
4. (4) develops a sense of personal and civic responsibility;
5. (5) provides an in-depth understanding of the American political, social, and economic systems and the historical context from which they arose;
6. (6) provides familiarization with political, social, and economic systems found elsewhere in the world;
7. (7) develops a strong work ethic, postsecondary readiness, and employment skills;
8. (8) encourages a healthy lifestyle;
9. (9) supports instruction of financial literacy, where students obtain the knowledge and skills required to succeed financially; and
10. (10) supports instruction of avoidance of participation or involvement in and prevention of child sex trafficking and human trafficking.

History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 208, L. 2005; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 222, L. 2013; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 387, L. 2023; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 358, L. 2025.