 November 2023 Assessment Compass Update
The November 2023 OPI Assessment Bulletin has been posted.
The OPI Assessment Bulletin is designed for System Test Coordinators (STCs), subscribers, and any school personnel with a responsibility to administer state assessments. It is crafted each month, August through June, 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 to prepare for state assessments.
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ACCESS for ELLs Test Window Opens December 4th
The test window for the ACCESS for ELLs, Montana’s English language proficiency assessment, opens on December 4, 2023, and closes on February 23, 2024. 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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Plan and Prepare for the 2023-2024 Testing Calendars
Place the OPI Published Test Windows on school calendars for the 2023-2024 school year.
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- ACCESS for ELLs: Dec. 4, 2023 – Feb. 23, 2024
- Multi-State Alternate: Mar. 11 – Apr. 26, 2024
- Alternate Science: Mar 11 – Apr. 26, 2024
- Science: Mar. 4 – May 24, 2024
- Smarter Balanced: Mar. 4 – May 24, 2024
- ACT with Writing: Window 1 [Mar. 26-Apr 5, 2024], Window 2 [Apr. 9-19, 2024], and Window 3 [Apr. 23-May 3, 2024].
- MAST: Window 1 [Oct. 23-Nov. 10, 2023], Window 2 [Nov.27-Dec. 15, 2023], Window 3 [Jan. 29-Feb. 16, 2024], Window 4 [Mar. 11-Apr. 5, 2024], and Window 5 [Apr. 15-May 10, 2024].
The OPI will publish any changes to the test windows on the Published Test Windows
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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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STCs affirm test security via the Testing Security tab in the secure access MontCAS Application. District testing plans must also be affirmed in the application under the Required Records tab. For step-by-step instructions for completing these required activities, refer to the MontCAS Application User Guide.
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MAST Updates
If your district is participating in MAST this school year, ensure appropriate staff are aware of the MAST Updates section of the monthly OPI Compass to keep abreast of upcoming tasks for the through-year assessments.
For more information and resources for MAST Testing, visit the OPI MAST webpage.
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Ensure Accurate Enrollments in AIM
To ensure all students are uploaded to the appropriate Test Delivery Portals check with your AIM District Data Entry staff to affirm the enrollments in AIM/Infinite Campus are accurate and up-to-date. See the AIM Data Collection Schedule for information and resources to complete these tasks. Questions? Contact the AIM Help Desk at 1-877-424-6681 OR 406-444-3800 or Submit an AIM Help Desk Ticket.
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Smarter Balanced and MSA Interims Now Available on the Montana Testing Portal
Are you planning to use Interims this fall/winter? If so, review these reminders and updates.
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Create a Plan: Ensure there is a plan and intention for how the assessments will serve learning over the course of the school year.
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Request Access to ICAs: If your school wishes to administer Interim Comprehensive Assessments (ICAs), you will need to contact the OPI Assessment Unit for access to the ICA administration.
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Accessibility and Equity are MUSTs: Support each child with accessibility per the student’s educational plan.
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Provide Time to Practice: Ensure each child has time to practice and/or experience the testing tools (e.g., Practice and Training Tests).
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STC Workshop Series
The OPI Assessment Team hosted the third annual STC Workshop Series over three days in October. The purpose of the workshop was to provide Montana System Test Coordinators an opportunity to learn the specifics around state testing and to provide resources to assist the STC in creating district testing plans to ensure a successful assessment cycle.
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If you missed the live sessions, you can view the recorded versions on the STC Workshop Series website. Resources, presentation slides, and frequently asked questions for each session are also available on the website.
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Stay Informed with Testing Alerts and Updates
The OPI Assessment Unit will continue to share information with schools via the Monthly Assessment Bulletin, accessed via the OPI Compass, the Monthly Webinars and other communication means.
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Both the bulletin and the monthly webinars have been updated and refreshed for the 2023-2024 school year. Based on feedback from the field, the OPI Assessment Bulletin follows a checklist format this year. Monthly webinars will include a “Learning Lab” portion which will provide a step-by-step walk-through for timely tasks each month.
Subscribe to the OPI Assessment Unit’s YouTube Channel to view recorded versions of the monthly webinars, program overviews, and STC Workshop sessions.
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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