 December 2021 Assessment Compass Update
The December 2021 OPI Assessment Bulletin has been posted. 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.
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ACCESS for ELLs Test Window Opened December 1
The test window for the ACCESS for ELLs, Montana’s English language proficiency assessment, opened 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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New! AIM/Infinite Campus State Published Ad Hocs
The OPI has released new State Published Ad Hocs including the “SPED Statewide Assessment Accommodations” available to assist schools with their AIM and test delivery reporting needs.
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The “SPED Statewide Assessment Accommodations” shows currently enrolled special education students that have an active IEP indicating statewide assessments marked with accommodations. This report can be used to identify the test setting accommodation and supports required for state assessments consistent with the student’s individual need. Read more about this new report on page 7 of the December 2021 OPI Assessment Bulletin.
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Provide comment for OPI's Alternate Assessments
Under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the OPI may not exceed the 1.0 percent cap for students assessed using the Alternate Assessments
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On October 29, 2021, the OPI received a memo regarding the requirements to request a waiver including flexibility to the participation of students assessed given the continued impacts of the pandemic.
The OPI is reaching out to all interested stakeholders to solicit comment on the implications of exceeding the 1.0 percent AA-AAAS cap and for comment on the new Alternate Assessment Eligibility Guidelines, Appendix A, and Appendix B. Interested stakeholders can provide public comment at the December 9, 2021 “State 1.0 Percent Cap Guidance and Monitoring” webinar at 3:00 PM. Register in advance for this meeting. Alternately, OPI's public comment survey allows the OPI to provide further clarification on the requirements and solicit comments on any training or technical assistance needs necessary to address the concerns of the state 1.0 percent cap requirement under ESSA. You can also submit written comments to the OPI Assessment Help Desk.
Step-by-step instructions for completing these tasks can be found in the Guidance for MontCAS Application User Guide. To affirm these activities, enter information in the MontCAS Application and follow the collection schedule. “Required Records Tracking” and the “Test Security Agreement” tasks must be completed prior to the first state assessment being administered in the district, or before January 3, 2022.
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New and Veteran STC Training Opportunities
The OPI Assessment Team delivered a 12-session STC Workshop October 5-7, 2021.
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If you missed the live STC Workshop Series and wish to complete the training for renewal units and certification, this will be available on the OPI's Teacher Learning Hub around the first of the year.
Reach out to the OPI Assessment Help Desk to receive an enrollment key to enroll in the course. STCs can also access the recordings and resources on the Google Site. All resources can be downloaded and customized to your local training need[s] and purpose[s].
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2021-2022 Assessment Webinars
Early planning assists districts, schools, and local assessment teams in ensuring a smooth and successful delivery of state assessments. STCs can set calendar reminders now for the 2021-2022 STC Open Forum Webinar Series.
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The Assessment Monthly Focused 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.
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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