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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 to when learning occurs. In addition to its instructional utility, the MAST assessment will satisfy federal testing requirements.
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For more information regarding MAST testing overview, please refer to the “Gearing Up for 2024-2025 MAST Implementation” April Focused webinar recording, slides, and links document.
Upcoming Events
Professional learning opportunities are planned to support Montana’s districts in implementing the new MAST statewide assessment for grades 3-8 in math and ELA. These opportunities will encompass in-person sessions, live virtual events, and asynchronous learning modules.
- On August 7, 2024, members of the Assessment Team will be at the Annual Hutterite Educator Conference where there will be devoted sessions focusing on preparing for the 2024-2025 statewide MAST Assessment, ELL Identification & Support, and ACCESS for ELLs Testing. Navigate to the RSVP Link: https://forms.gle/6hQYznHaDgKHLEXj6 [forms.gle]. All are welcome to attend sessions that pertain to their districts.
- From August 8-16, 2024, a second in-person MAST Roadshow will take place at multiple locations throughout Montana. Once all details are confirmed, information will be shared and made accessible on the OPI MAST webpage and MAST Portal.
- On September 5, 2024, a second live virtual MAST Summit will take place. Once all details are confirmed, information will be shared and made accessible on the OPI MAST webpage and MAST Portal.
- On October 3rd, 10th, and 24th, 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 the Assessment Unit’s Stay Informed (mt.gov) webpage under the STC Workshop Series tab.
- This fall, the OPI Assessment Unit will be offering weekly office hours at various times to best support STCs and the field with statewide assessment-related questions. Details and information can be found on the Statewide Assessments Stay Informed (mt.gov) webpage once finalized.
- Additional live virtual and asynchronous learning opportunities will be available. More details and information will be shared on the MAST Portal, OPI MAST webpage, and OPI MAST Monthly Compass once finalized.
Gearing Up for 2024-2025 MAST
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 Math 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 3-8. 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 to their current scope and sequence.
In July, the MAST Math Scheduler tool will become available. Districts and schools will have the flexibility to align their MAST Math testlets with the district’s unique scope and sequence. A MAST Scheduling Guide & FAQ for Test Coordinators document and the MAST Math Blueprint are available to prepare and support System Test Coordinators (STCs) and school district staff with 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 Kite Educator Portal
The Kite Platform, the delivery system of the MAST, has been set up with district organizations. District Authorized Representatives (ARs) and System Test Coordinators (STCs) have been assigned the role of District Test Coordinator (DTC) in the Kite Portal. If you cannot find the activation email in your primary inbox, please check your junk/spam folders. As user management tasks occur throughout the summer and early fall, DTCs can refer to the User Management Quick Reference Guide, the Kite Educator Portal Manual, and the User Management training video for detailed directions on User Management. Be sure to use Montana’s unique Kite Portal login URL: https://educator-testlet.kiteaai.org/AART/logIn.htm. When adding teacher roles, ensure the Educator Identifier Number is unique. Use a distinct and recognizable value, such as the educator’s SEID number or district email address, for this field.
Please note that students will not be loaded into the Kite Educator Portal until August. Once loaded, testing coordinators will be able to roster students to teachers and enter student accommodations in the Kite Educator Portal.
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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