BUTTE (AP)
Montana teenagers extraordinarily able in math and science would spend two of their high school years at Montana Tech, under a program the college chancellor wants to develop. Frank Gilmore is seeking money for the Montana Math and Science Academy, a residential program that would enable top students to attend high school and college at the same time, perhaps as early as the fall of 2010. “By the time they are finishing high school, they could be publishing papers,” Gilmore said. The Montana Board of Regents approved looking into the idea, as did the state board overseeing public education. Academy students, perhaps 40 of Them, would be selected from across the state based on test scores, interviews and recommendations. The students would be at least 15 years old. As it is envisioned, the academy would not be a money maker for Montana Tech. Gilmore projects an annual operating budget of $500,000 and hopes to obtain state support. Costs include construction of a building to house students, and employment of people to supervise them. Gilmore said a donor, whose name was not released, is willing to help substantially with the initial tuition. Concerns include the effect on local school districts if their top students transferred to the program at Tech. Districts’ financial support is based partly on the size of enrollment, and outstanding students often help to boost schools’ composite scores on standardized tests.
