Learn more about the required alternate science assessment given to qualified students in grades 5, 8, and 11 below.


Resources also found on Test Administration Portal link.

*The test is not designed to be completed in one sitting as tests may be paused and  resumed as often as necessary. A break may consist of a few minutes to a few days.

The Alternate Montana Science Assessment (AMSA) is the alternate science assessment for academic state achievement reporting in Grades 5, 8, and 11 for students with significant cognitive disabilities. The AMSA is designed to measure the alternate academic achievement standards aligned to Montana's Content Standards (2016) in Science. The AMSA is the alternate version provided in place of the general Montana Science Assessment and the ACT with Writing test for students with significant cognitive disabilities. It is used to provide state, district, school, and individual student achievement information on the state-adopted content standards in science. It is used by the state to provide a consistent picture of student proficiency and progress across Montana's public schools and private schools seeking accreditation. It is an important measure for understanding comparisons between schools, over time, and for gaining an understanding of equity in educational services.

Grade(s): 5, 8, and 11

Subject(s): Science

Test Time: 1.5-2 hours*

Testing Window: March 10 - April 25, 2025

TIDE Upload Schedule (2024-2025)

General Information

These resources include some general information about the assessment that will be helpful in learning about the Alternate Montana Science Assessment. Follow the links below to learn more.

 

Assessment Profile Button

Consortium Map Button

Testing Time Facts Button

Score Reporting

Districts and schools can access individual score reports in the Reporting Center in the Montana Testing Portal. Score reports are available within 2 weeks of a student's completing the test. 

To see how a school is performing over time and compared to other schools in Montana, visit Montana's longitudinal data warehouse (GEMS). Official state-level results are released annually in the fall, typically around mid- to late September. 

Districts are responsible for providing individual score reports to parents no later than fall parent-teacher conferences. 

AMSA Reporting Resources

 

 

Alternate Montana Science Assessment Blueprint

AMSA Technical Report (2022-2023)