Montana Aligned to Standards Through-Year FAQ
Learn more about the required math and ELA statewide assessment given in grades 3-8 below.
MAST is the general mathematics and reading/language arts assessment for academic state achievement reporting in Grades 3-8. The MAST assessment is aligned to the Montana Content Standards (2011) in Mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA). It is used to provide state, district, school, and individual student achievement information on the state-adopted content standards in math and ELA. 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): 3-8
Subject(s): Mathematics, English Language Arts
Testing Windows:
- Window 1: October 13-December 5, 2025
- Window 2: January 12-March 6, 2026
- Window 3: March 30-May 22, 2026
General Information
These resources include some general information about the assessment that will be helpful in learning about the state required MAST assessment. Follow the links below to learn more.
MAST Communication
Explore a variety of resources designed to support educators, visit the 'Stay Informed and Find Support' Assessment Page -- THIS LINK MAY NEED UPDATING
- Professional Learning – Online courses, webinars, and workshops.
- Support Videos – Step-by-step tutorials and focused guidance for technical support.
- FAQs & Guidance – Answers to common questions and how-to information for MAST assessments.
Sign up for the MAST Memo!
A teacher-focused monthly newsletter with the latest updates, ideas, and resources.
Subscribe HERE.
Past Issues
Score Reporting
Districts and schools can access individual test score reports in the Kite Educator Portal under the INTERIM > View Results tab. District, school, class, and individual student reports are all available in the Reporting System within the Kite Educator Portal. Testlet score reports are available weekly during testing windows.
Districts are responsible for providing individual score reports to parents after each administration and summative results no later than fall parent-teacher conferences. Summative results and score reports for the 2024-2025 school year will be available in the fall of 2025 following standard setting.
Montana's MAST ELA Performance Levels
| Grade | Novice / Level 1 | Partially Proficient / Level 2 | Proficient / Level 3 | Advanced / Level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 250 - 294 | 295 - 314 | 315 - 344 | 345 - 400 |
| 4 | 250 - 294 | 295 - 314 | 315 - 344 | 345 - 400 |
| 5 | 250 - 294 | 295 - 314 | 315 - 347 | 348 - 400 |
| 6 | 250 - 294 | 295 - 314 | 315 - 343 | 344 - 400 |
| 7 | 250 - 294 | 295 - 314 | 315 - 353 | 354 - 400 |
| 8 | 250 - 294 | 295 - 314 | 315 - 351 | 352 - 400 |
Montana's MAST Math Performance Levels
| Grade | Novice / Level 1 | Partially Proficient / Level 2 | Proficient / Level 3 | Advanced / Level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 250 - 294 | 295 - 314 | 315 - 334 | 335 - 400 |
| 4 | 250 - 294 | 295 - 314 | 315 - 340 | 341 - 400 |
| 5 | 250 - 294 | 295 - 314 | 315 - 333 | 334 - 400 |
| 6 | 250 - 294 | 295 - 314 | 315 - 334 | 335 - 400 |
| 7 | 250 - 294 | 295 - 314 | 315 - 340 | 341 - 400 |
| 8 | 250 - 294 | 295 - 314 | 315 - 342 | 343 - 400 |
MAST Assessment Reporting Resources
MAST Score Report Parent Letter Template - districts can meet ESSA requirements for sharing student score information with parents by providing information with families on how to access the Kite Parent Portal to view individual student reports with this template letter.
Kite Parent Portal - once districts establish a student-parent connection, families can access their child's testlet score reports via this portal.
Testing Blueprint: Math Assessment Specifications & Math Standards Blueprint
Testing Blueprint: ELA Assessment Specifications & ELA Standards Blueprint