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.
The Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) is the ELA and math alternate assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities provided in place of the MAST tests in grades 3-8 and the ACT with Writing test in grade 11. The MSAA uses Core Content Connectors (CCCs) aligned to core academic content in ELA and math Montana Content Standards (2011) and the Learning Progression Frameworks.
The Alternate Montana Science Assessment (AMSA) is the alternate science assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities provided in place of the general Montana Science Assessment in Grades 5 and 8, and the ACT with Writing test in Grade 11. The AMSA is designed to measure the alternate academic achievement standards aligned to Montana's Content Standards (2016) in Science.
Both assessments are used to provide state, district, school, and individual student achievement information on the state-adopted content standards in ELA and math (MSAA) and in science (AMSA).
The Montana Science Assessment (MSA) is the general science assessment for academic state 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.
The ACCESS for ELLs is the English Language Proficiency assessment for academic achievement reporting for English Learners (ELs) in Grades K-12. The ACCESS for ELLs is used to provide state, district, school, and individual student achievement information on the state-adopted content standards in English Proficiency.
The WIDA Screener is used to assist schools in identifying English Learners.
The ACT with Writing is the general mathematics, reading/language arts, and science assessment for academic state achievement reporting in Grade 11. The ACT with Writing is aligned to the Montana Content Standards (2011) in Math and English language arts (ELA) and currently under alignment studies 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 mathematics, ELA, and science.
NAEP is a congressionally mandated project overseen by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to monitor knowledge, skill, and performance of the nation's children and youth over time. NAEP measures and reports on a regular basis what America's students know and can do in core subjects like reading, mathematics, writing, and science.
Test security guidelines have been developed by the OPI to be used by STCs and other school and district staff in order to maintain the integrity of all MontCAS assessments. Following these guidelines will ensure no student has access to any form of assistance or material that could provide an unfair advantage. The primary goal of test security is to protect the integrity of the assessment and to ensure that results are accurate and meaningful.
These focused support videos provide STCs with the "how-to's" for accessing the MontCAS Application, and for completing required test security tasks within the application.
Stay up-to-date with timely tasks for all statewide assessments through the school year.
The OPI Assessment Bulletin is specifically designed for System Test Coordinators (STCs), subscribers, and any school personnel with a responsibility to administer statewide assessments. It is carefully crafted each month by the OPI Assessment Unit to provide timely access to key test administration responsibilities and actionable content within each of the program checklists. Also included in each issue are references to the state and federal requirements, resources to support professional learning, testing alerts and updates, and frequently asked questions. School districts are encouraged to share the Assessment Bulletin with any school staff who must be aware of these tasks and responsibilities in order to prepare for statewide assessments. The newsletter is distributed via the OPI Compass , and in addition to being posted on this page, also populates under the RSS Feed heading on the OPI's State Testing homepage.
STC Workshop Series
Registration details coming soon for the 2024-2025 STC WORKSHOP SERIES SESSIONS coming in October 2024!
The purpose of the “STC Workshop Series” is to provide each Montana school district System Test Coordinator (STC) with the opportunity to learn the “how-to’s” for each of the statewide assessment related components listed.
The workshop will be held over three Thursdays in October with each day providing four sessions. Each session will focus on a different part of the assessment cycle, STC duties, or other content pertinent to the administration of state assessments. Use the STC Workshop Series Schedule (coming soon!) to register for sessions.
STC participants will leave the series with content to complete the five required testing plans and be provided with step-by-step instructions on how to accomplish the various STC activities. The OPI Assessment Team will share tips and tricks to accomplish these activities and invite veteran STCs to share their experience(s) as well.
Note: only confirmed System Test Coordinators will be allowed allowed to participate in sessions. If you are a new STC this year, confirm with the OPI Assessment Unit that your district has been updated with the current year's STC prior to the workshop sessions.
Teacher Learning Hub STC Course
NEW! A new System Test Coordinator Hub Course is currently being developed and will be available for the 2024-2025 school year. Watch this page for updates, including registration information!
The primary purpose of the OPI Teacher Learning Hub has been to address the challenges of cost, distance, time, and equity of access to high-quality professional development for Montana educators. Explore professional learning for statewide assessments offered on the Hub via the Course List, Course Catalog, and/or using the "Search Courses" feature.
Teacher Learning Hub
As of the 2024-2025 school year, the OPI Assessment Focused Webinar Series has been retired. In place of the webinar series, the OPI Assessment Unit will be offering Office Hours twice weekly at various times on various days to best support STCs and the field with statewide assessment related questions.
The Office Hours schedule (coming soon!) includes the dates, times, and meeting links to join. STCs and educators should feel free to join Office Hours and ask any questions they may have around statewide assessments.
The monthly focused webinar recordings from the 2023.2024 school year will remain on the website through the 2024-2025 school year should you wish to view one. They can also be viewed on the Montana OPI Assessment YouTube Channel.