May 2025 Assessment Compass Update
The May 2025 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 to prepare for state assessments.
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The MAST Testing Window #3 Closed on May 2nd: Window #4 Opens May 5th and Runs Through May 23rd. |
For Window #3, ensure score reports are shared with parents/guardians in a timely manner and submit all testing incidents and instances of non-participation in the MontCAS Application. The deadline to submit these is May 9, 2025.
For Window #4, ensure all students in Grades 3 through 8 are assessed through the Kite Portal.
Send home the Parent Notification Letter about 2 weeks prior to planned testing.
Watch the MAST checklist tab for related tasks, and the MAST tab on the Stay Informed page for Focused Support Videos.
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The Montana Science Assessment (MSA) Testing Window Closes Soon! |
If your district has not completed MSA testing, plan to schedule the tests to ensure they are completed prior to the close of the testing window: May 23, 2025. The MSA is assessed through the Montana Testing Portal during the window.
Send Parent Notification Letters home to parents/guardians about 2 weeks before planned testing and ensure all Test Administrators have completed the required TA Certification Course located in the Montana Testing Portal.
Once testing is complete, ensure all testing incidents and instances of non-participation are submitted in the MontCAS Application. The deadline to submit these is May 9, 2025. Once score reports are received, ensure they are shared with parents/guardians in a timely manner.
Watch the MSA checklist tab for related tasks, and the MSA tab on the Stay Informed page for Focused Support Videos.
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The ACT with Writing Testing Window is Now Closed.
The testing windows for the ACT with Writing closed on May 2nd.
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Ensure all testing incidents and instances of non-participation are submitted in the MontCAS Application. The deadline to submit these is May 9, 2025. Once score reports are received, ensure they are shared with parents/guardians in a timely manner.
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The MSAA and AMSA Testing Windows are Now Closed.
The testing windows for the Multi State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) and the Alternate Montana Science Assessment (AMSA) closed on April 25th.
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Ensure all testing incidents and instances of non-participation are submitted in the MontCAS Application. The deadline to submit these is May 9, 2025. Once score reports are received, ensure they are shared with parents/guardians in a timely manner.
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ACCESS for ELLs Score Reports Available
Online versions of ACCESS for ELLs score reports are available on the WIDA AMS under the "Download Student and Status Reports" tile.
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Districts will receive printed versions of the ACCESS for ELLs score reports by May 9th. Once score reports are received, ensure score reports are shared with parents/guardians in a timely manner.
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Join us for MAST Standard Setting!
Montana educators are invited to participate in Standard Setting for the MAST assessment in the Summer 2025.
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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. Express initial interest by filling out the linked MAST Standard Setting Recruitment Form.
Resources for both of these tasks can be found under “Step 2: Configuration” on the ACT State and District website.
New for the 2024-2025 school year, the OPI Assessment Unit has introduced the Focused Support Video Series. See the Stay Informed page of the OPI Statewide Testing webpages to view Focused Support Videos.
Subscribe to the OPI Assessment Unit’s YouTube Channel to view recorded webinars, support videos, 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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