January 2026 Assessment Compass Update
The January 2026 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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WIDA ACCESS Test Window Opens January 5, 2026
The test window for the WIDA ACCESS, Montana’s English language proficiency assessment, opens on January 5, 2026, and closes on March 6, 2026. Ensure all your district’s EL students are administered the WIDA ACCESS during this window. The federal expectation for ACCESS completion is 100%.
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New this year, ACT has implemented rolling deadlines. The deadlines for requesting accommodations and EL Supports for the ACT with Writing:
- · Window 1: February 11, 2026
- · Window 2: February 25, 2026
- · Window 3: March 11, 2026
The OPI recommends submitting requests early to allow for additional information to be provided should ACT request it. The TAA User Guide provides information on submitting requests.
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Enhance Student Test Preparation With MTDA's EdReady Program at No-Cost This Spring!
The spring MAST and ACT with Writing testing windows are a critical time for Montana students. EdReady Montana offers teaching resources and specialized middle school level MAST math goals and ACT prep math and English goals designed to help students improve their scores and college readiness.
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With EdReady, you also get the no cost assistance of a dedicated team of Montana educators at Montana Digital Academy (MTDA) to help set your school, teachers and students up for success!
Don't wait! Reach out to support@mtda.org today to set up an informational meeting and get started!
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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.
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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 around EDUCATE/Infinite Campus.
Review the home page of the OPI Statewide Assessment home page weekly. 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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