Montana Comprehensive Assessment System

►STCs enter all testing incidents that occur in the district in the MontCAS Application. 

• The MontCAS Application User Guide has step-by-step instructions for entering testing incidents starting on page 9. 

►STCs enter all valid instances of non-participation after testing windows close in the MontCAS Application. 

• The MontCAS Application User Guide has step-by-step instructions for entering testing incidents starting on page 7. 

► STCs remember to collect evidence to support your district testing plans throughout the school year. 

• Watch Sessions 5 and 6 from the STC Workshop Series for examples and "how-tos" for writing plans.
• Base plans on the updated plan checklists found on the Test Security page of the OPI Statewide Testing webpages. 

MAST Window #4 is open and runs through May 23, 2025.

► Ensure all students in Grades 3 through 8 are testing within this window. Prior to administering the assessment, in the Kite Educator Portal, perform these tasks: 

• Update Rostering to reflect any student mobility in the district. Leave students who have transferred out of your district, but sill appearing in the Kite Portal as un-rostered.

• Update PNPs as needed to reflect changes to student educational plans. 

MAST Window #3 is Closed.

► Share Student Score Reports with Parents/Guardians.

► STCs ender all testing incidents that may have occurred during MAST Window 3 testing in the MontCAS Application. Deadline: May 9, 2025.

► STCs ender all instances of valid non-participation for MAST Window 3 in the MontCAS Application. Deadline: May 9, 2025.

The Montana Science Assessment Testing Window is Open. Ensure all Grade 5 and 8 students test between now and Friday, May 23, 2025. 

► STC's log into the Montana Testing Portal and review user accounts 

• STCs should add users who need to be added, delete users who are no longer in the district or who should no longer have access to student data, and make any needed updates to user roles for current users. 

► Send Parent Notification Letters home to parents/guardians about 2 weeks prior to planned testing. 

• Use the OPI's MSA Parent Notification Letter template to notify parents/guardians about upcoming Montana Science Assessment administration in your school. 

► STCs ensure Test Administrators complete the required Test Administration Certification Course. 

• All certified staff who will be administering the Montana Science Assessment must complete the Test Administrator Certification Course prior to administering the statewide assessment. 

► Ensure secure browsers have been downloaded on testing devices. 

• Use the Installing the Secure Browser document to ensure all student testing devices are prepared for testing. 

► CHROME USERS: Update Devices for Spring 2025 testing!

• With the upcoming release of ChromeOS Version 133 on the Stable channel in early 2025, a required setting for the secure browser will no longer be enabled by default. Districts/schools MUST utilize one or both of the options shared in the Chrome OS Update Instructions. 

The Alternate Montana Science Assessment Testing Window is Closed.

► STCs enter all testing incidents that may have occurred during alternate testing in the MontCAS Application. Deadline: May 9, 2025.

►STCs enter all instances of valid non-participation in the MontCAS Application. Deadline: May 9, 2025.

The Multi State Alternate Assessment Testing Window is Closed.

► STCs enter all testing incidents that may have occurred during alternate testing in the MontCAS Application. Deadline: May 9, 2025.

►STCs enter all instances of valid non-participation in the MontCAS Application. Deadline: May 9, 2025.

Testing Windows for ACT with Writing are Closed.

► STCs enter all testing incidents that may have occurred during ACT with Writing testing in the MontCAS Application. Deadline: May 9, 2025.

► STCs enter all instances of valid non-participation in the MontCAS Application. Deadline: May 9, 2025.

ACCESS for ELLs Digital Score Reports are Available.

► Access digital score reports in WIDA AMS and share with parents/guardians. Printed reports should arrive at districts by May 9.

• View this Focused Support Video for instructions to view and download the digital score reports. 
• This OPI Parent Letter can be used to meet state and federal requirements for timely notification. 

► Review score reports to exit eligible students. Students who have obtained an Overall Composite Score of 4.7 or higher should be exited from EL status in AIM/Infinite Campus.

► Continue screening potential English Learners as they enroll in your district throughout the school year. 

NAEP 2025 is Complete