The OPI Assessment Bulletin is specifically designed for System Test Coordinators (STCs), subscribers, and any school personnel with a responsibility to administer state 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 state assessments.
 |
|
| |
Smarter Balanced Interims and Data Use Plans
Do you plan to use Interims before October 13? If so, here are a few important reminders:
|
|
-
Create a Plan: Ensure there is plan and intention for how the assessments will serve learning over the course of the school year.
-
Ensure a Through Course Model: Consider having a through course approach which could include using Interim Assessment Blocks (IABs) and focused IABs that connect to Tools for Teachers. (Tools for Teachers provides educators with strategies to support individual needs). These resources should be embedded in instruction to accelerate student learning.
-
Accessibility and Equity are MUSTs: Support each child with accessibility per the student’s educational plan.
-
Provide Time to Practice: Ensure each child has time to practice and/or experience the testing tools before the Summative (e.g., Practice and Training Tests).
Adequate Planning: Provide the OPI with notice at least 5 business days before planned use. This will ensure that students are properly rostered within the Montana Testing Portal, and also provide your district with adequate time to ensure all test settings for universal, designated, and accommodation supports are properly configured locally before administration. The 2021-2022 TIDE Upload Calendar indicates planned student data uploads. If the Interim plan falls outside these dates, notify the OPI of any required changes
 |
|
Ensure Accurate Enrollments in AIM
To ensure all students are uploaded to the appropriate Test Delivery Portals have the AIM District Clerk/Business Office affirm the enrollments in AIM/Infinite Campus (Student Information System) are accurate and up-to-date. See the AIM Data Collection Schedulefor information and resources to complete these tasks. Contact the AIM Help Desk at 1-877-424-6681 OR 406-444-3800 or Submit an AIM Help Desk Ticket with any questions on AIM/Infinite Campus.
|
 |
|
ACT Enhancements for Supports and Accommodations
ACT has been working to increase equity and collaborate with school and industry partners to ensure students with disabilities and English learners are provided the appropriate resources and supports necessary to succeed. ACT’s Policy for Requesting Accommodations has been updated to align with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the laws established to ensure our public schools meet the needs of our students with disabilities. Read the ACT’s Policy for Requesting Accommodations for the ACT to learn more about these enhancements. Read Katie Featherston’s, Senior Director for Accessibility, blog here on “Ensuring Students with Disabilities and English Learners Receive Necessary Supports For Success” or watch the OnDemand webinar.
|
 |
|
Send Score Reports Home with Parent Letter
Districts are responsible for providing Individual Score Reports to families for state assessments in a timely manner. View the Roles and Responsibilities for Distributing Score Reports for information on how to share reports for each state assessment.
|
 |
|
Plan to Attend 2021-2022 Assessment Webinars
Early planning for 2021-2022 state testing assists districts, schools, and local assessment teams in ensuring a smooth testing season next school year. System Test Coordinators can set calendar reminders now for the 2021-2022 STC Open Forum Webinar Series.
The Assessment Monthly Focused Webinar dates have also been set for the 2021-2022 school year. These webinars are open to anyone who assists with or has interest in balanced assessment systems and using student achievement data for data-driven decision-making and/or continuous improvement processes.
|
The newsletter is posted on a monthly basis to the OPI Statewide Testing page. In case you missed it, here is access to last month’s issue - September 2021 OPI Assessment Bulletin.
Please direct questions to the OPI Assessment Help Desk at OPIAssessmentHelpDesk@mt.gov or 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.
|
