August 2025 Assessment Compass Update
The August 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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Announcing New Alternate Statewide Assessments for 2025-2026 School Year
Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, the Dynamic Learning Map (DLM) will replace both the Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) and the Alternate Montana Science Assessment (AMSA).
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All alternate assessments will now be administered on the Kite platform to align with the administration of MAST.
The DLM math and ELA assessments follow an instructionally embedded model, with multiple testlets administered during both fall and spring testing windows. Science assessments will also consist of multiple testlets but will be administered only during the spring window.
View the Introduction to DLM Assessment Webinar Recording for an overview of the DLM. model, to learn about key resources to help you prepare ahead of fall training, and hear questions from attendees.
For more thorough information on the DLM ELA/math assessment, navigate to the DLM Montana State website and the DLM ELA/math and DLM Science pages on the OPI Statewide Testing website.
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Help Shape Montana's Assessments
The OPI is seeking passionate educators and stakeholders to join the Assessment Implementation Committee (AIC) and help guide the second year of the Montana Aligned to Standards Through-Year (MAST) assessment.
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The committee will meet monthly for 1 hour starting in September 2025 through the school year. We’re looking for a diverse group with a range of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives.
Apply now to be part of this important work!
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Providing Score Reports to Families
School districts are required to notify parents/guardians of individual 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 applicable test vendor’s reporting system.
State aggregate data is also available in the test vendor reporting systems and this Fall 2025 the OPI will release state-level results in the Growth and Enhancement of Montana Students (GEMS longitudinal data warehouse).
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Plan and Prepare for the 2025-2026 Testing Windows
Note early test windows! Place the OPI Published Test Windows on school calendars for the 2025-2026 school year.
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MAST: Window 1 [Oct. 13-Dec. 5, 2025], Window 2 [Jan. 12-Mar. 6, 2026], Window 3 [Mar. 30-May 22, 2026].
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WIDA ACCESS: Jan. 5–Mar. 6, 2026
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Montana Science Assessment: Mar.2-May 22, 2026
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DLM ELA/math: Fall Window [Sept. 8-Dec. 19, 2025], Spring Window [Feb. 2-May 15, 2026].
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DLM Science: Feb. 2 – May 15, 2026
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ACT with Writing: Window 1 [Mar. 24-Apr 3, 2026], Window 2 [Apr. 7-17, 2026], and Window 3 [Apr. 21- May 1, 2026].
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Plan to Attend the STC Workshop Series
The OPI Assessment Unit will be offering the STC Workshop Series over three Thursdays; September 4, September 11, and September 18, 2025. Learn about the sessions being offered and find the links to join each session on the 2025 STC Workshop Series website.
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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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