FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2021
Superintendent Arntzen Recognizes 2020-2021 Statewide Math and Reading Assessment Results from an Unprecedented School Year
HELENA – State Superintendent Elsie Arntzen today announced the Montana statewide federally mandated summative end-of-year test results for the previous school year of 2020 to 2021. The summative test results reflect grades 3-8 and grade 11. The Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) recognizes the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The test results reflect the unique instructional circumstances and learning conditions for students, families, educators, and our Montana communities.
“During the past school year, every one of our over-800 schools faced unique circumstances and challenges,” stated Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “These aggregate state scores continue to reflect a wide variation in the learning outcomes of our students. Even in a pandemic, a single test at the end of the year is not an indicator of success in student learning. I have been seeking a solution to this disconnect in accurately measuring true student learning. The OPI is implementing alternative meaningful assessment options, such as the MAST Pilot, to take advantage of the lessons learned and the significant opportunity COVID-19 provides to redesign innovative assessments in Montana,” she added.
During the 2019-2020 school year, the United States federal government waived end-of-year summative testing due to the unfolding pandemic, but not in the spring of 2021. However, the OPI provided the maximum flexibilities allowed such as medical exemptions and shortened tests for students. The summative test had 91.0% of 3-8 student participation. approximately one in three students, 35.6%, were proficient in Mathematics. In English Language Arts, less than half of students, 46.4%, were proficient.
During the school year of 2020-2021, 86.5% of juniors completed the ACT assessment. The average student scores were 18.9 in mathematics and 18.0 in ELA. Traditionally the national ACT college readiness benchmarks have been 22 for mathematics and 18 for ELA out of a maximum of 36. The Montana Board of Regents adopted new admission requirements on May 27, 2021, to revoke the need for students to provide ACT or SAT scores for admission to its campuses.
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Questions? Contact:
Anastasia Burton, Communications Director
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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