Learn more about the required science statewide assessment given in Grades 5 and 8 below.


 

Resources also found in the Test Administration Portal.

The Montana Science Assessment (MSA) is the general science assessment for academic statewide achievement reporting in Grades 5 and 8. The MSA is aligned to the Montana Content Standards (2016) in Science. 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 and 8

Subject(s): Science

Test Time: 1.5-2 hours

Testing Window: March 3 - May 23, 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 state required Montana Science Assessment. Follow the links below to learn more. 

 

Assessment Profile Button

Consortium Map Button

Training Resources

 

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 assessment. 

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. 

MSA Reporting Resources

 

MSA Technical Report (2022-2023)

Statewide Testing Home > Required Assessments