10.58.526    TRAFFIC EDUCATION

(1) The program requires that successful candidates:

(a) demonstrate an understanding of the state requirements for approval of a traffic education program (i.e., school and teacher, student age, scheduling, program length, and liability);

(b) demonstrate an understanding of the state requirements to be eligible as an approved teacher of traffic education (i.e., educator license, driver's license, driving record, specific coursework, and professional development);

(c) demonstrate an understanding of the state requirements regarding vehicle usage including, but not limited to, required and recommended equipment, maintenance, identification, vehicle use and restrictions, licensing, course completion certificates, and insuring;

(d) demonstrate an understanding of the general administrative procedures and policies required for conducting an approved traffic education program including, but not limited to, approval and reimbursement forms;

(e) demonstrate knowledge of the driver licensing process and the responsibilities associated with having that license;

(f) demonstrate a working knowledge and administration of the cooperative driver testing program (CDTP) leading to instructor certification to administer the CDTP driverꞌs license knowledge and road skills tests and issue the traffic education learner license;

(g) demonstrate a working knowledge of perceptual and physical screening techniques;

(h) demonstrate an understanding of the Uniform Vehicle Code, motor vehicle laws of Montana, and due process;

(i) demonstrate an understanding of the consequences resulting from violations including, but not limited to, driving record, loss of driving privilege, higher insurance premiums, and license retesting;

(j) demonstrate the ability to effectively assist students in examining and clarifying their beliefs, attitudes, and values as they relate to traffic safety;

(k) demonstrate an understanding of the importance of positive attitudes toward safe driving including, but not limited to, mental, social, and physical tasks performed through a decision-making process;

(l) demonstrate an understanding of the safe interaction of all elements of the highway transportation system including, but not limited to, pedestrians, bicyclists, passengers, motorcyclists, drivers, vehicles, and roadways;

(m) demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of vehicle ownership including, but not limited to, basic mechanical operation, maintenance, and insuring;

(n) demonstrate an understanding of vehicle dynamics and balance as they relate to operator control, vehicle safety technology, and the effects of occupant restraint systems;

(o) demonstrate an understanding of current traffic education issues including, but not limited to, parent involvement, zone control, reference points, distracted, drowsy, impaired, and aggressive driving, and graduated driver licensing;

(p) acquire opportunities for student teaching experiences in classroom and behind-the-wheel situations with novice driving students under the direct supervision of a qualified teacher;

(q) design educational strategies for appropriate classroom and driving experiences for diverse learners;

(r) develop a logical scope and sequence plan for training driving skills in the repeated safe operation of a motor vehicle including, but not limited to, controlled but varied situations and environments;

(s) demonstrate knowledge, application, and evaluation of specific student competencies including, but not limited to, scanning, vehicle balance and control, roadway markings, maneuvers, intersections, and highways;

(t) demonstrate an understanding of specific competencies as defined by recognized agencies and organizations including, but not limited to, the Office of Public Instruction and the American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association;

(u) design educational strategies for visual perceptual skill development including, but not limited to, scanning, zone control, limiting distractions, risk management, and defensive driving principles;

(v) experience and demonstrate an understanding of driving skills required to operate and control a vehicle from both the driverꞌs and instructorꞌs seats to successfully handle adverse and emergency situations;

(w) demonstrate an understanding of crash facts, causation, and current crash avoidance and injury prevention strategies;

(x) develop a logical scope and sequence plan for a traffic education program that includes the physiological and psychological influences of alcohol and drug abuse and current legislation as they relate to use of the highway transportation system;

(y) demonstrate skills and techniques using potential equipment to assist learning for students with special needs;

(z) demonstrate an understanding of techniques and strategies to integrate traffic education into the K-12 curriculum;

(aa) identify and implement teaching trends and materials which will help assure continued program enhancement;

(ab) demonstrate an understanding of, and provide tools for, student and program assessment; and

(ac) demonstrate an understanding of current information on appropriate resources and how to establish an effective traffic education support network within the community. 

 

History: 20-2-114, MCA; IMP, 20-2-121, MCA; NEW, 1979 MAR p. 492, Eff. 5/25/79; AMD, 1984 MAR p. 831, Eff. 5/18/84; AMD, 1989 MAR p. 397, Eff. 3/31/89; AMD, 1994 MAR p. 2722, Eff. 10/14/94; AMD, 2000 MAR p. 2406, Eff. 9/8/00; AMD, 2007 MAR p. 190, Eff. 2/9/07; AMD, 2014 MAR p. 2936, Eff. 7/1/15; AMD, 2023 MAR p. 86, Eff. 7/1/23.