December 2022 Assessment Compass Update
The December 2022 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 Opens December 5
The test window for the ACCESS for ELLs, Montana’s English language proficiency assessment, opens on December 5, 2022, and closes on February 24, 2023. 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, 2023.
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First Test Window for the MAST Pilot Completed
The first test window for the MAST Pilot project was completed Friday, November 18. Over 6,500 testlets were completed across 37 districts in Montana. Testlets were completed in both Math and ELA subject areas and participating districts will receive score reports on December 2nd.
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Up next for districts participating in the pilot, a feedback session is to be held on December 14th, and Test Window #2 will begin on January 17, 2023, and will run through January 30, 2023.
For more information about the MAST Pilot, visit the MAST website.
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ACT with Writing Moves to Online Format
The OPI will be supporting online testing under the state contract beginning the 2022-2023 school year. Three test windows will each be two weeks long, giving schools six testing days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) for each window to deliver the online assessment. This new format will -
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Schools and districts can find information about preparing for online testing on the Montana State and District website under the Configuration (Step 2) and Preparation (Step 4) headings. There are several pre-recorded videos and other resources there to assist schools in learning more about the online format.
If schools/districts have concerns about technology or internet crashes/issues, ACT provides a process called ‘proctor caching’ which makes allowances for internet issues. You can read more about proctor caching in this Online Technical Readiness Proctor Caching document.
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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) is accurate and up-to-date.
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See the AIM Data Collection Schedule for 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.
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.
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