October 2025 Assessment Compass Update
The October 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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DLM ELA/math Assessment Fall Window is Open
The DLM ELA/math Assessment window opened September 8 and runs through December 19, 2025. Ensure alternate students in Grades 3 through 8 and 11 are administered the ELA and mathematics testlests within this window.
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Navigate to the DLM Montana State website for more information on the assessment details such as blueprints, Essential Elements, and accessibility.
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Administer MAST Testlets – Window #1
Window 1 for the MAST assessments opens Monday, October 13th and runs through Friday, December 5th. Ensure all general education students in Grades 3 through 8 are administered the ELA and math testlets within this window.
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Navigate to the MAST Resources page for information and resources to assist in administration.
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MAST Assessment Training Opportunities
Prepare to administer the new ELA and math assessments for Grades 3 through 8. Plan to attend one or more of the training opportunities available. Training will focus on before testing tasks including
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- Technology Check & Kite Student Portal Secure Browser Updates
- User Management, rostering, and entering student PNPs (accommodations)
- Preparing and Training Test Administrators and other staff supporting MAST administration
- Administering and Monitoring Testlet Completion
- Accessing and Utilizing Score Reports
- Sharing Reports with Families
Use this meeting link to join the trainings on October 1, October 8, and October 15 from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
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Provide Score Reports to Families
School districts are required to notify parents/guardians of individual summative student reports in a timely manner to help families, teachers, and school leaders understand and address the specific academic needs of students.
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Results for each tested student are available in the test vendor’s reporting system. MAST Through-Year Score Reports will be available on October 9, 2025.
Districts can use the Parent Score Report Letter templates on the OPI Statewide Assessment’s Parent Corner page to share with parents.
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Ensure Accurate Enrollments in EDUCATE/IC
To ensure all students are uploaded to the appropriate Test Delivery Portals have the EDUCATE District Clerk/Business Office affirm the enrollments in EDUCATE/Infinite Campus (Student Information System) are accurate and up-to-date. See the Infinite Campus Data Collection Schedule for information and resources to complete these tasks. Contact the EDUCATE Help Desk at 1-877-424-6681 OR 406-444-3800 or Submit an AIM Help Desk Ticket with any questions on EDUCATE/Infinite Campus.
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Review the updated home page of the OPI Statewide Assessment home page.On the home page, you'll find three important areas:
- A yellow dropdown titled “Click for a List of Upcoming Events” – open this dropdown for dates and links to attend important training and PD events regarding statewide assessments.
- A yellow dropdown titled “Click for a List of Upcoming STC Deadlines” – open this dropdown to keep up to date with deadlines for your STC tasks.
- A heading titled "STC Checklist". This checklist is updated weekly and will include a list of all the timely tasks for the various assessments with resources to assist you in completing them.
The OPI Assessment Unit continues to add videos to 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 and other statewide assessment recordings.
Direct questions to the OPI Assessment Help Desk at OPIAssessmentHelpDesk@mt.govor 1-844-867-2569
Direct questions to the OPI Assessment Help Desk at OPIAssessmentHelpDesk@mt.gov, or 1-844-867-2569.
Resources for both of these tasks can be found under “Step 2: Configuration” on the ACT State and District website.
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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