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Ninety-three districts, 212 schools, and approximately 30,000 students from across Montana played an active role in driving innovative change during the MAST assessment’s second year of piloting. All MAST participating schools have received a banner of support as well as a celebration certificate for each teacher for their classroom support.
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The MAST assessment will operationalize as the statewide assessment for grades 3-8 in math and ELA in SY 2024-2025. This innovative assessment offers flexibility in test administration, delivers timely feedback on student learning to enhance instructional utility, and assesses students more closely when learning occurs. In addition to its instructional utility, the MAST assessment will also produce a summative score that will be utilized for federal accountability purposes.
The OPI extends sincere appreciation for the collaborative efforts of all MAST stakeholders and acknowledges the substantial contributions they've made to developing this Montana-made assessment. We highly value the feedback provided by participating districts and commend their flexibility as we utilize this feedback to refine and innovate this assessment.
Upcoming Events
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Montana OPI Summer Institute Join us June 17-20, 2024 for dedicated sessions spotlighting educational innovation with the Montana Aligned to Standards Through-Year (MAST) Assessment—a transformative approach to assessment that aligns with our commitment to enhancing learning and teaching experiences across Montana. As the MAST progresses through its second year of pilot (SY23-24), it represents a significant step towards using assessment to support student learning and achievement. This innovative assessment, structured as a through-year model, is designed to assess content standards aligned closely with the timing of content learning in the classroom. Its primary goals include providing instructional utility and generating a summative score for federal accountability purposes. MAST is on track to operationalize as the statewide assessment for Montana's general populations in grades 3-8 for ELA and Math, scheduled to replace Smarter Balanced in 2024-2025. Registration is coming soon on the OPI Summer Institute webpage.
- The Assessment Unit’s fall STC Workshop Series will provide details and support regarding the MAST. Once this information becomes available, it can be found on our Assessment Unit’s Stay Informed (mt.gov)webpage under the STC Workshop Series tab.
- Anticipate a Fall Road Show, Fall MAST Summit, and additional asynchronous learning opportunities. More details and information will be shared out and made available on the OPI MAST webpage and OPI MAST Monthly Compass once it becomes available.
Gearing Up for 2024-2025 MAST Implementation
The OPI Assessment Unit’s April-focused webinar features information regarding 2024-2025 MAST implementation. The April “Gearing Up for MAST” recording, slides, and links document are now available on the MontCAS Stay Informed webpage or the MT OPI Assessment YouTube channel.
Fall 2024 Scheduling MAST Testlets
MAST provides assessments in mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA) more closely tied to instruction. This assessment measures specific Montana Content Standards in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. The assessment comprises individual tests, or “testlets,” taken throughout the school year. The scheduled order of ELA testlets will be the same for all districts. ELA testlets increase in complexity over the course of the school year. For Math testlet scheduling, districts can choose which math testlets to administer in each of the testing windows based on what aligns best with their current scope and sequence.
In the fall, districts and schools will have the flexibility to align their MAST Math testlets with the district’s unique scope and sequence. A guidance document will soon be available to prepare and support System Test Coordinators (STCs) and school district staff with MAST Math testlet scheduling. A SY24-25 Math Testlet Scheduling worksheet can be used to help collect math curriculum and/or math test schedule information for each assessed grade level. The Montana OPI Published Test Windows for All Required Statewide Assessments 2024‒2025 School Year will show the scheduled MAST testing windows as well as other statewide assessment windows.
MAST Accommodations
A MAST accommodation drop-down menu has been added to Infinite Campus. Districts have the option to start making changes to student IEPs if desired. Alternatively, districts can choose to use a soon-to-be updated MAST Accommodations Crosswalk Document to translate current SBA accommodations into MAST PNPs (accommodations) within the Kite Platform for the upcoming fall. A MAST Accessibility Guide is now available to help provide guidance and support when making testing accommodations decisions for students.
Montana Educator's MAST Contributions
Montana educators and leaders are playing a crucial role in the development and enhancement of the MAST assessment. These teachers from across Montana have come together as part of the MAST Educator Cadre to contribute to test item writing and review and Rangefinding. The expertise and valuable insights provided by Montana's educators are essential in ensuring the MAST assessment's quality and relevance. Through their active involvement, Montana educators are significantly shaping the MAST assessment process, benefiting students across the state. These educators’ commitment to the success and growth of Montana students is truly commendable.
Resources
For comprehensive resources and relevant information about the MAST, be sure to explore the MAST Portal and the OPI MAST webpage, the landing pages for all MAST-related information and professional-learning resources.
Questions?
Please contact Tressa Graveley, Assessment Specialist
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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