OPI Assessment Bulletin - September 2020

The September 2020 OPI Assessment Bulletin has been posted to the OPI Statewide Testing page of the OPI website. This bulletin is tailored to the test coordination responsibilities at each school system. Check out this issue to learn about assessment updates and reminders. The five takeaways from this issue are summarized below.

Assessment Requirements for 2020-2021 Review Secretary DeVos Memo to Chief State School Officers on the requirements of testing this school year.

Administering Interims in TIDE Test administrators are required to complete the online TA Certification Course and acknowledge the Test Security Agreement for the 2020-2021 school year in order to administer tests. The Steps to Become Certified to Proctor a Test outlines how to complete the Test Administrator Certification Course and acknowledge the Test Security Agreement in TIDE. Users will not be able to proctor an online assessment and receive access to the Test Administration Site for the interim or summative assessments without completing the steps.

Science Interims are now available. As you plan Smarter Balanced interims for your students this fall, consider including the new Science interims into the schedule. Montana Science Interims are available on the Montana testing portal and are available now.

Download the new ELP District Guidance and exit criteria. New proficiency criteria for English Learners is in effect. The criteria was approved by the US Department of Education and can be found in the 2020-2021 ELP Guidance for School Districts.

Mark your calendar to attend the MontCAS Monthly Webinars.  The OPI Assessment Unit is hosting monthly webinars focused on timely content to answer your state assessment questions. Visit the MontCAS Monthly Webinar tab on the Stay Informed page for details and links to join these live webinar opportunities.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to pose significant challenges. Given the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the OPI will continue to seek flexibilities and pursue what educational path is best for students within the law.

Assessment Help Desk: 1-844-867-2569

The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.

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