Montana Comprehensive Assessment System

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.