This document presents Montana's plan for the education of homeless children and youth, in accordance with requirements of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1987. The plan includes four main parts. Part I, "Program Policy," summarizes the intent of the McKinney Act to ensure free, appropriate educational services for all children and commits the Office of Public Instruction to advocacy for homeless children and youth in Montana. Part II, "Goals," lists the following objectives of the state plan: (1) increased public awareness of educational problems; (2) initiation of a comprehensive plan to deal with recognized problems; (3) coordination of all state and local services; and (4) assuring full access to education for all homeless children and youth. Part III,"Definitions," defines the terms "child" and "youth,""homeless," and "free, appropriate public education." Part IV, "State Plan Issues," describes initiatives and results relating to the following McKinney Act requirements: (1) creation of an Office of Coordinator; (2) data gathering, including a statewide survey and needs assessment; (3) determination of problems and needs on the basis of survey and needs assessment results; (4) legal requirements pertaining to school law; (5) provision of procedures for resolving disputes regarding student placement; and (6) an interagency organization. Comments by official respondents at public hearings are appended. (AF)