Montana Comprehensive Assessment System
Progress Reports were released April 2nd for Window 2 on the KITE Educator Platform. Please review interpretive guides linked below to understand the data and information presented in these reports. Reminder, all documentation around the MAST assessment can be found on the MAST portal. Please connect with the Assessment team should you have any specific questions or require support to clarify your understanding.
Student | Classroom | School | District | Overview
Quick Links
STC Checklist
System Test Coordinators can check here weekly for an up-to-date list of timely tasks. Click the tab for a list of tasks for each state required assessment.
Updated: June 17, 2026
- See the MontCAS Test Security Collection Schedule for the submission window deadlines for each testing window.
- The MontCAS Application User Guide has step-by-step instructions for entering incidents.
- The MontCAS Application User Guide has step-by-step instructions for requesting non-routine accommodations.
- Districts can download and customize this OPI Score Report Letter template to include alongside the score report to meet ESSA requirements for notifying parents of student scores.
- Watch the Focused Support Video "Accessing and Utilizing MAST Score Reports" (about 16 minutes) - VIDEO - Presentation Slides
- Authorized Representatives and STCs have been given district access in the Kite Educator Portal and are responsible for creating and maintaining user accounts.
- Install guides can be found on the MAST Portal.
- All students should be rostered to a teacher for both math and ELA.
Ensure all alternate students in Grades 3-8 and 11 are administered the required testlets in ELA and math.
Ensure IEP/504 Plans for alternate students are updated with new assessment names.
Create and maintain user accounts.
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Authorized Representatives and STCs have been given district-level access in the Kite Educator Portal and are responsible for creating and maintaining user accounts.
Assign required training to all staff who will be administering the alternate assessments.
Ensure all alternate students in Grades 5, 8, and 11 are administered the required testlets in science.
Ensure IEP/504 Plans for alternate students are updated with new assessment names.
Watch the recorded webinar for an introduction to DLM Assessments.
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Share with staff in your district who may benefit, such as Special Education partners. Introduction to DLM Assessment Webinar Recording
Review the following Focused Support Videos for topics on getting started in the Educator Portal:
Ensure user accounts are reviewed in the Montana Testing Portal .
Test Administrators must complete the Test Administrator Certification course before administering the Montana Science Assessment.
Review updates to the Montana Testing Portal .
Send the Parent Notification Letter to parents/guardians about 2 weeks before testing.
Review the Flexible Scheduling Policy to learn more about the new option for 2 Day Testing.
Request Accommodations and English Learner Supports in TAA for testing in all windows.
Test Sessions can be created and students assigned in PANext for Window 1.
The WIDA ACCESS testing window is closed.
Return materials as soon as testing is completed.
Throughout the school year, continue to screen newly enrolled students for whom the Home Language Survey indicates screening.
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Mark EL students appropriately in Infinite Campus to ensure they are uploaded to the WIDA AMS.
Required Statewide Assessments
The primary purpose of assessment in Montana is to serve learning. Statewide assessments provide insight into student learning in core subjects and English language proficiency while fulfilling state and federal requirements.
- Montana Aligned to Standards Through-Year Assessment (MAST) – ELA and mathematics assessment administered to Grades 3 through 8.
- Montana Science Assessment (MSA) – Science assessment administered to Grades 5 and 8.
- ACT with Writing (ACT) – ELA, mathematics, and science assessment administered to Grade 11 (high school requirement).
- DLM Alternate ELA/Math Assessments (DLM ELA/math) – ELA and mathematics assessments administered to Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (SwSCD) in Grades 3 through 8 and 11.
- DLM Alternate Science Assessment (DLM Science) – Science assessment administered to Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (SwSCD) in Grades 5, 8, and 11.
- WIDA ACCESS – English language proficiency assessment for English Learners (EL) administered to ELs in Grades K through 12.
- Alternate ACCESS Assessment (Alt ACCESS) – English language proficiency assessment for English Learners (EL) with significant cognitive disabilities in Grades K through 12.
- National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) – Also known as the Nation’s Report Card; administered only in selected schools to students in mathematics and reading in Grades 4, 8, and 12.
Contact Us
Assessment Help Desk: 844-867-2569
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National Assessment of Educational Progress
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Select the NAEP logo to learn more about the only national assessment.
