The third scheduled MAST testing window opened on March 24, 2025, and closes on May 2, 2025. The fourth and final MAST testing window opens on May 5, 2025 and closes on May 23, 2025. This statewide assessment for grades 3-8 in math and ELA offers flexibility in test administration, provides timely feedback on student learning to enhance instructional practices, and assesses students closer to the time when learning occurs. In addition to its instructional benefits, the MAST assessment meets federal testing requirements.
 Window 4 Anchor Test
Students will be pre-assigned one math or ELA testlet that is designed to be completed within one testing session. The anchor testlet will be assigned at the classroom level so each roster will get the same grade-level anchor testlet. Depending on the form assigned to the student:
- The ELA form will consist of 16 questions, including standalone and passage-based items.
- The math form will consist of 25 questions. Forms in grades 6-8 are divided into a calculator and non-calculator section.
For more information, refer to the MAST Test Administration Manual linked on the MAST Portal under the section Standards and Manuals.
Testing Incidents & Non-Participation Requests DUE May 9th
All MAST testing incidents and Non-Participation Requests must be submitted into the MontCAS Application no later than May 9, 2025.
Score Reports
Educators receive weekly MAST score reports on completed and submitted student testlets within each testing window, which serve as valuable tools for understanding students' academic strengths and areas for improvement. These reports offer insights into both individual and group performance in math and ELA. The linked focused support video will provide more information on accessing, interpreting, and utilizing the MAST Student Score Report. Additional resources can be found in the Score Report section of the MAST Portal. MAST ELA middle-of-year performance task score reports were thoroughly reviewed by human readers with student reports released on March 6, 2025.
Teachers now have the capability to bundle student reports in Kite. School and District-level reports will be available after Window 3. The Summative Report will be available after Standard Setting occurs in the Summer 2025.
Kite Parent Portal
The Kite Parent Portal is a valuable resource that helps parents and guardians support their child’s learning throughout the school year. After the student-parent connection is established in the Kite Educator Portal at the district level, parents and guardians can access their child’s score reports, which are released weekly during testing windows. For more information, refer to the Parent Portal One-Pager.
Upcoming Events
MAST Standard Setting is scheduled for Summer 2025. Montana educators are invited to participate in Standard Setting for the MAST assessment. In collaboration with other subject matter experts, Montana educators will help draft and refine performance-level descriptors to ensure these descriptors accurately reflect the competencies students must demonstrate at each performance level. Please express initial interest by filling out the linked MAST Standard Setting Recruitment Form.
How is MAST supporting your classroom? The OPI and testing partner, New Meridian, are seeking educators to share their experiences with administering MAST and its effectiveness in providing timely and relevant feedback to students. If you're interested in participating, complete the Questionnaire Interest Link to be considered. Selected teachers will be contacted by New Meridian and compensated $30 for completing a 30-minute questionnaire, with opportunities for additional follow-up interviews.
Please note that responses are for research purposes only and will not be used to evaluate individual teachers, schools, or students. Thank you for helping us validate and improve the MAST assessment!
Professional learning opportunities are planned to support Montana’s districts and are posted on the MAST Portal. Click on images below to access a pdf with an embedded Zoom link.
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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