The OPI administers all required grade/subject assessments in accordance with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). ESEA was reauthorized in 2015 as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), affirming that all children should have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach, at a minimum, proficiency on challenging state academic achievement standards and state academic assessments.
The OPI, in consultation with school districts, has implemented a set of high-quality, standards-aligned academic assessments under ESSA. School districts must annually administer the required statewide assessments in all core academic content areas and assess the language proficiency of identified English Learners (ELs) to receive federal money. The annual academic assessments serve learning by doing the following (ARM 10.56.101):
- providing information about student achievement and growth to educators, families, students, and communities, and
- making sure students receive the support necessary to receive an equitable education.
Read the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act
ESSA mandates that the OPI, in consultation with school districts, implements a set of high-quality standards that are aligned to the state's academic assessments. In addition to the federal requirements, by the authority of §20-2-121(11), MCA and ARM 10.55.603, the Board of Public of Education (Board) adopts rules for statewide assessment in accredited public and nonpublic schools upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Under the federal and state testing requirements, the Montana Assessment Program addresses the vision of the ESSA while upholding the Principles of Assessment.
This means the assessments:
- provide information about students' knowledge and skills around Montana's standards to indicate student success and where to target resources;
- are aligned to Montana’s challenging college- and career-ready academic standards;
- are high quality and equitable for all students; and
- are time-limited and part of the planned, coordinated and coherent system of assessments.
The OPI statewide assessments are one of multiple measures within the balanced system of assessments available to LEAs. The required statewide assessments are an indicator at one point in time about student achievement and growth in relation to the standards.
Learn more about how the objectives relate to the ESSA and the OPI's accountability plan on the ESSA page and the Montana State Plan page.
The ESSA has several sections that require states to monitor academic performance and progress to ensure that all students, including children with disabilities, English Learners, and other historically under-served groups, graduate high school college-and-career-ready. The federal and state annual general and alternate statewide assessment requirements are described in this section, including how they relate to the OPI's statewide student information system, Achievement In Montana (AIM).
The state and federal expectation is that all students participate in statewide assessments. In rare cases, student participation may not be possible due to an unexpected circumstance. For more information, visit the Inclusion Policy page.
The OPI has procedures in place for ensuring that each student is tested and counted in the calculation of participation rates for each state required general and alternate assessment. Participation is included in the annual meaningful differentiation process for public schools including each subgroup of students. Federal and state law require all students to participate or meet the federal reporting standard threshold.
For more information about student participation and registration, visit the AIM User Guides page.
For more information about the OPI systems in place for protecting data integrity and student privacy, visit the OPI Student Record Confidentiality page.
Both the ESSA and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) require that all students participate in statewide assessments. This includes all students who receive special education services no matter what their disability or level of service. All students, including students with IEPs, identified at the time of statewide testing as Limited English Proficient (LEP) must be accounted for when the assessment results are reported to the US Department of Education.
The Montana Comprehensive Assessment System (MontCAS) is designed to ensure that all students participate and are included to the fullest extent possible, while reducing variation in achievement reporting.
School personnel must follow both federal and state policies regarding student population that outline the following:
- All students enrolled in Grades 3-8 are required to participate in the Smarter Balanced mathematics and English language arts (ELA) assessments except the following: · Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who meet the criteria for the Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA), which is approximately one percent or fewer of the entire student population.
- English Learners must be evaluated using the ACCESS for ELLs screener to determine their participation in the required state English language proficiency assessment consistent with state and federal policy. If the student has been enrolled in a US School for less than twelve months, they have a one-time exemption from taking the required state ELA assessment.
The OPI has policies and procedures in place to protect the integrity and confidentiality of its test materials, test-related data, and personally identifiable information, specifically:
- To protect the integrity of its test materials and related data in test development, administration, and storage and use of results;
- To secure student-level assessment data and protect student privacy and confidentiality, including guidelines for districts and schools;
- To protect personally identifiable information about any individual student in reporting, including defining the minimum number of students necessary to allow reporting of scores for all students and student groups.
Test Secure Handling Procedures
2019-2020 Test Security Procedures & Guidelines - A guide for test security in regards to the MontCAS statewide assessments.
OPI Student Privacy web page
The OPI has established procedures and responsibilities under federal and state laws governing the access, use, and dissemination of confidential, sensitive, and/or restricted student information. The K-12 Data Task Force further advises the OPI on the use of data collection policies, practices and the use of data in schools.
Student Reporting Guidelines
On the OPI’s GEMS website there is information included there to describe the OPI’s procedures for masking/cell suppression, reporting, and minimum counts for accountability.
For the OPI to meet the ESSA requirement of reporting results for students, schools, and districts (Section 1111(b)(2)(B)(v)(x)), steps are taken to ensure the security and confidentiality of the state test materials and provide appropriate training for personnel involved in testing.
These guidelines support the OPI’s Test Security Policies and Procedures:
User accounts for the MSAA system are wiped annually. The OPI will upload system test coordinators to the system. System test coordinators will be responsible for adding TAs and other district staff involved in testing into the MSAA system. Information about how to create accounts can be found on the MSAA System Dashboard.
- Review the 2019 MontCAS Test Security Manual. (Expected time: 30 mins).
- Complete the annual online system test coordinator update in the OPI Central Data Update Form (Contacts) Application. To be completed by the authorized representative for the school system. (Expected time: 30 mins).
- Complete annual Test Security Agreements at the district, school, and test administrator level and maintain records of signed hard copies at the school system. (see the School System Test Security Agreements Page).
- Complete the online school system test security agreement assurance process through the secure Montana Comprehensive Assessment System (MontCAS) Application to be completed by the STC. The STC uses this application to report many things to the OPI including the affirmation of test security; the assessment dates for required MontCAS assessments; requests for the accommodation appeal process; reports of reasons for non-participation; and reports of any testing incidents.
- Review the Documenting Local Test Security Procedures Page.
- Review suggestions for a smooth testing process.
- Review the MSAA Test Administration Manual for test specific test security considerations.
- Participate in district training on Test Security, a PowerPoint presentation from 2015 that provides helpful information. (Expected time: 30 mins).
- Verify training at the local level using the Training Log. A log for use by STCs to track training of test administrators.
Pre-Administration Test Environment Procedures for Test Security
- Remove materials from the room that are visible and may assist students in answering questions during the test.
- Schedule time in a space where one to one administration can take place without other students or educators in the room.
- Place the "Testing - Do Not Disturb" signage on entrances to prevent disruptions.
- Follow guidance published by the OPI to ensure tests are administered in accordance with the standardized testing procedures. Refer to the Test Administration Monitoring Checklist. (Expected time: 30 mins)
- Record testing incidents locally on the Test Security Incident Log to maintain school records during the school year. Test Administrators (TAs) may download and use this optional template to log local test security incidents but must immediately notify the System Test Coordinator (STC) of all incidents in the local Test Security Incident Log. Note: This log is not official and it does not replace the required System Test Coordinator MontCAS Application reporting.
- Report incidents to the STC so he or she may notify the OPI via the secure Montana Comprehensive Assessment System (MontCAS) Test Irregularity Reporting System.
- Document incidents in the MontCAS Application. STCs are required to follow reporting times based on the degree of severity found in each Test Administration Manual. The MontCAS application collects data about any incident that happens during testing. (Expected time: 10 mins).
- Provide a quiet environment which allows students to focus on the test with as few distractions as possible, according to the Ethical Testing Behavior Guidance.
- Always Supervise students to prevent prohibited access to unauthorized electronic devices, copying of answers, or other possible test security incidents, according to the Test Security Incident and Reporting Guidance.
- Secure the room so students only have access to permitted resources and no unauthorized persons are in the room during testing, as outlined in the Ethical Testing Behavior Guidance. (Expected time: 5 mins).
- Setup testing only in the secure browser, as outlined in the Secure Browser Installation Manual. (Expected time: 5 mins)
- Ensure there is no unauthorized access to student responses or notes on scratch paper.
- Ensure there is no unauthorized viewing of test materials.
- Avoid discussing or disclosing any test material information.
- Ensure that no test material information including passages, prompts, items, stimuli, and tasks are used for instruction.
- Destroy all secure test materials in accordance with the guidance published by the Office of Public Instruction.
- Respond to a student crisis testing incident if notified about a case. The OPI collects student responses via its online testing platform and, in some rare cases, students submit potential crisis responses that are flagged for the OPI's review. The OPI responds to alert school staff about the crisis response for appropriate local response and action.
For the OPI to meet the ESSA requirement of reporting results for students, schools, and districts (Section 1111(b)(2)(B)(v)(x)) we must take steps to ensure the security and confidentiality of the state test materials and provide for appropriate training for all personnel involved in testing pursuant with the OPI’s Test Administration Policies and Procedures detailed on the pages listed below.
These guidelines support the OPI's Test Administration Policies and Procedures:
Note: The Test Administrator Certification is required to administer MSAA assessments. If districts are planning to do the training as a group, each user should log into their own account and complete the certification. The system will then automatically update the status to “TA Certified” and the user will be able to administer assessments.
- Ensure the parent/guardian notification letter is sent home to parents at least one week before statewide testing to communicate the following:
- the purpose of statewide assessments,
- the source of the requirement,
- when students performance information is provided to teachers and parents,
- how teachers, principals, and district officials will use student performance information, and
- how parents can use that information to help their child. (Expected time: 10 mins).
- Review the Test Administration Manual (TAM). This manual provides information for Test Administrators (TAs) on procedural and policy guidance to prepare for and administer the MSAA in English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Mathematics.(Expected time: 60 mins).
- Best Practice for scheduling the MSAA test is to administer the test to students in short sessions over the course of the test window. The sessions should be scheduled for a length of time that is appropriate for the individual student. If a student becomes frustrated during testing, the TA should end the session until a later time by saving and exiting the test session. An example of a best practice schedule for a student who is able to concentration for 20 minutes at a time is: 2 sessions of 20 minutes daily split between the math and ELA tests. This is especially effective for students who do better with a consistent schedule. The MSAA sample items are useful to begin to familiarize the student with the online test format and to build a routine around completing items in ELA and Math on a daily basis.
- Report assessment scheduling plan through the secure Montana Comprehensive Assessment System (MontCAS) Application. System Test Coordinators (STC) use this application to report many things to the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) including the affirmation of test security; the assessment dates for required MontCAS assessments; requests for the accommodation appeal process; reports of reasons for non-participation; and reports of any testing incidents.
- Provide students with opportunities to become familiar with the online tools by offering opportunities for them to practice with the online tools and test (see MSAA Sample Items).
Pre-Administration Procedures in Test Administration Modules
- Complete the Test Administrator Certification required to administer the MSAA assessments. (Expected time: 3 hours)
- Complete the test coordinator specific training modules (1 hour)
- Watch the Best Practice Videos. This training module is designed to help test coordinators and TAs understand the interface students use to take the online test.
- Complete pre-testing activities including: checking student demographics, accommodations, student response check, and the learner characteristic inventory.
- Download the Directions for Test Administration document for each form of the test that is being administered, review the script, and prepare any materials that are indicated in the directions.
- Follow all guidance published by the OPI to ensure tests are administered in accordance with the standardized testing procedures. Refer to the Test Administration Checklist. (Expected time: 30 mins)
- Use and Follow the session script exactly. Do not alter any sections or provide unauthorized assistance on any sections of the test.
- Maintain conditions for testing that are free from undue distractions and adhere to OPI's published guidance.
- Complete the post testing tasks including, after testing accommodations, and test administrator survey.
- Check testing progress throughout the window and do a final check prior to 5PM on the final day of testing to ensure that all tests have been submitted or closed per MSAA instructions.
- Destroy all secure test materials inaccordance with the guidance published by the Office of Public Instruction.
For the OPI to meet the ESSA requirement of reporting results for students, schools, and districts (Section 1111(b)(2)(B)(v)(x)), we must take steps to ensure the security and confidentiality of the state test materials and provide appropriate training for all personnel involved in testing pursuant with the OPI’s Inclusion and Participation Policies and Procedures detailed on the pages listed below.
These guidelines support the OPI's Inclusion and Participation Policies and Procedures:
The expectation is that all students participate in statewide assessments. However, there are circumstances, such as a major medical event, that may make it impossible for a student to participate. In these rare cases, the district must report non-participation and the reason to the OPI using the Montana Comprehensive Assessment System (MontCAS) application. It is not allowable to exclude students based on expected performance, difficulty in administering the test, disability, or English learner (EL) status (see 20 U.S. Code § 1701—Equal Education Opportunity).
The OPI clearly and consistently communicates to districts and schools that it requires the inclusion of all students enrolled in accredited K-12 schools.
For students with disabilities
- All students with disabilities must be included in the statewide assessment system to ensure students are provided with the special education and related services they require and are entitled to.
For English Learners
- All ELs must be included in the statewide assessment system unless the OPI exempts a student in the language arts/literacy assessment who has been enrolled in the U.S. for less than 12 months. EL students must be assessed so they can participate in educational programs and services they are entitled to pursuant under 20 U.S. Code §1703(f).
Pre-Administration Procedures in Student Inclusion and Participation
- Read and follow Montana's Accessibility Guidance (Coming Soon) and the MSAA Test Administration Manual accommodations section to ensure all students are included in the assessments.
- Familiarize yourself with the AIM Student Participation and Registration guide used by districts to verify enrollment records and student demographics, such as special education services.
- View student information prior to testing to ensure that it is correct and that students receive the proper test with appropriate supports.
- Read through the list of MontCAS non-participation codes and examples to acquaint yourself with rare, low incidence circumstances where students are unable to participate in the required statewide assessments.
- Report requests for the appeal process and any non-participation reasons through the secure Montana Comprehensive Assessment System (MontCAS) Application. The MontCAS Application is a restricted-use website that contains information on the state-mandated MontCAS summative assessments. System Test Coordinators (STC) use this application to report many things to the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) including the affirmation of test security; the assessment dates for required MontCAS assessments; requests for the accommodation appeal process; reports of reasons for non-participation; and reports of any testing incidents.
- Provide assessment features, adapted materials, and accommodations consistent with students' IEPs to promote meaningful participation in the MSAA test.
- Follow specific processes and procedures found in the MSAA Test Administration Manual when applying the early stopping rule for students who lack a consistent observable response mode.
- Destroy all secure test materials in accordance with the guidance published by the Office of Public Instruction.
For the OPI to meet the ESSA requirement of reporting results for students, schools, and districts (Section 1111(b)(2)(B)(v)(x)), steps are taken to ensure the security and confidentiality of the state test materials and provide appropriate training for personnel involved in testing.
These guidelines are supported by the OPI’s Inclusion and Participation Policies and Procedures:
- Create roles and access within the online test administration portal <www.msaaassessment.org>
- Review the TA User Guide. This document provides key instructions for all Test Administrators administering the MSAA Assessment.
- Review the Technology Requirements Document. This guide provides instructions for key technology requirements.
- Review the MSAA Test Administrator Manual (TAM). This guide will assist System Test Coordinators, District Coordinators, and Test Administrators better understand the MSAA Assessment.
- Manage student demographic information and report any inaccuracies in the information sent to the OPI. The demographics panel includes enrolled grade, name (last, first, and middle initial), state unique identifier, date of birth, gender, section 504 status, primary disability type, ethnicity, English language proficiency level, and migrant status.
- Manage student test settings and tools information. The test settings and tools panel includes usability, accessibility, and accommodation testing supports.
- Start the test session, approve tests for students to take, monitor testing progress, and review completion reports to be completed by the TAs.
- Monitor testing progress during the testing window and ensure that all students participate, as appropriate. (Expected time: 30 mins).
- Verify the opportunity statuses are accurate to ensure all students’ tests are considered complete for accountability and reporting purposes.
- Manage and report appeals for the timely approval by the OPI.
- Record testing incidents on the Test Security Incident Log. Test administrators may download and use this template to log all test security incidents that occur during test administration.
- Confirm test irregularities immediately or following the MontCAS Test Security Manual reporting time periods by test incident severity.
- Reconcile non-participation at the end of the test window in the Montana Comprehensive Assessment System (MontCAS) Application.
- Reconcile student information in the data quality in the MSAA assessment portal at the end of the test window.
- Report incidents through the secure Montana Comprehensive Assessment System (MontCAS) Application. The MontCAS Application is a restricted-use website that contains information on the state-mandated MontCAS summative assessments. System Test Coordinators (STC) use this application to report many things to the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) including the affirmation of test security; the assessment dates for required MontCAS assessments; requests for the accommodation appeal process; reports of reasons for non-participation; and reports of any testing incidents.