 November 2021 Assessment Compass Update
The November 2021 OPI Assessment Bulletin has been posted for viewing. 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.
2020-2021 Math and ELA Assessment Results
We commend Montana schools for their focus on putting students first and for the manner in which they prioritized the safety, health, and well-being of every child this past academic year. On November 10, 2021, the OPI will provide embargoed access to school districts in the Growth and Enhancement of Montana Students (GEMS) longitudinal data warehouse for mathematics and English language arts (ELA) statewide assessments. State assessment results provide information to the public and families that supports the educational needs and processes at the local and state level. In anticipation of this release, school districts can view the OPI Score Report and Timeline Memo for more details.
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STC Workshop Series
The OPI Assessment Team delivered a 12-session System Test Coordinator (STC) Workshop October 5-7, 2021.
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STCs were provided the opportunity to learn the “how-to’s” for completing the four required testing plans (Test Administration Plan, Test Accessibility Plan, Test Security Plan, andTest Training Plan). A list of frequently asked questions from the series can be found in the November bulletin. STCs unable to attend the sessions can view the recorded versions on the STC Workshop Series website.
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ACCESS for ELLs Test Window Opens December 1
The test window for the ACCESS for ELLs, Montana’s English language proficiency assessment, opens on December 1, 2021 and closes on February 25, 2022. To ensure a smooth and successful assessment, check with test administrators to confirm they have completed the required training in the WIDA Secure Portal. View the Assessment Profile for the WIDA Assessments to learn more about the ACCESS for ELLs.
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STCs: Complete Test Security Assurance Activities
It’s time for System Test Coordinators (STCs) to affirm they’ve met the test security requirements as published in the MontCAS Test Security Manual, and in each Test Administration Manual for before, during, and after testing activities.
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To affirm these test activities, including affirming testing plans have been completed for this school year, enter information in the MontCAS Application and follow the collection schedule. Required Records Tracking and the Test Security Agreement must be completed prior to the first state assessment being administered in the district, or before January 3, 2022.
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Ensure Accurate Enrollments in AIM
To ensure all students are uploaded to the appropriate Test Delivery Portals, we encourage STCs to work with the district’s AIM District Clerk/Business Official to verify the student details 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
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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.
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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 - October 2021 OPI Assessment Bulletin.
Direct questions to the OPI Assessment Help Desk at OPIAssessmentHelpDesk@mt.govor 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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