Education Data Collection Team (EDUCATE)
April 2026 Compass
The Education Data Collection Team serves Montana students by assisting education agencies with Infinite Campus data reporting and providing accurate and timely education data to other OPI units for state and federal reporting.
Infinite Campus Data Collections
The Data Collection Schedule contains a complete list of all data collections occurring throughout the year. The 2025-26 Data Collection Calendar is now posted to the website!!
Assessment Windows
DLM Alternate Math, ELA, and Science: February 2 - May 15, 2026
The spring round of the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) alternate math and ELA testing for students in 3 - 8 and 11th grades who are a part of the SwSCDs student group and Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) alternate science testing for students in 5th, 8th, and 11th grades who are a part of the SwSCDs student group. Process transfers (in and out) as quickly as possible.
ACT With Writing Window 1: March 24 - May 22, 2026
The ACT with writing is administered to appropriate students in the 11th grade during this window. Ensure that all student accommodations are finalized and entered prior to this window. Ensure that all appropriate students are registered prior to
this window where necessary.
MAST Test Window 3: March 30 - May 22, 2026
The second round of MAST tests are administered to appropriate students in grades 3 - 8 during this window. Ensure that all student accommodations are finalized and
entered prior to this window and that all appropriate students are registered prior to
this window. Process transfers (in and out) as quickly as possible.
To ensure students receive appropriate accommodations, please do NOT change accommodations for testing students during this window.
MT Science Assessment Window: March 30 - May 22, 2026
The MT Science Assessment is administered to appropriate 5th and 8th graders
during this window
To ensure students receive appropriate accommodations, please do NOT change accommodations for testing students during this window.
Student Records Transfers
Student records transfers are an important tool for ensuring that students receive the proper services as soon as possible after transferring to a new district. A records transfer is automatically initiated when a student is new to the district and enrolled using the Student Locator Wizard. When a student has been previously enrolled in the district or the district uses the file upload process, a records transfer must be initiated manually (Student Information>General>Records Transfer - New State Transfer Request). Important elements to import include Special Education records (ER, IEP, SPED Documents), English Learner (EL) status, and Enrollment History.
CTE Data
Extended Contract Days for CTE Teachers (reach out to your CTE specialist for more information on what qualifies as Extended Contract Days) has been a separate collection for the last several years. This information is now collected in the educator's District Assignment in Infinite Campus. Please review the District Assignments for educators with Extended Contract Days to ensure they are accurate for 2025-26 (this may require ending a prior Assignment at the end of 2024-25 and creating a new assignment for 2025-26, if the contract days are different for 25-26 than they were for 24-25).
In addition to Extended Contract Days, districts should be running validations for CTE Courses. Ensure that courses are correctly indicated with Pathway and Credit. This will help with the End of Year CTE Collection in May.
Infinite Campus Training Opportunities
End of Year Preparation:
Soak up the sunshine and bring clarity to your end-of-year reporting—let’s finish the year strong together. ☀️
You’re invited to join our FREE Here Comes the Sun: End-of-Year State Reporting Series - Presented by OPI's EDUCATE Unit and School Services of MT, designed to guide you step-by-step through key reporting areas and help you wrap up the year with confidence.
🌞 Series Overview
🌅 Session 1: Setting the Sunrise – 26-27 Calendars & Rolling Forward Build a strong foundation with calendar setup, validation, and rolling forward.
☀️ Session 2: Shining a Light – Teacher Class, Personnel & EOY CTE Ensure accurate reporting for staff and programs.
🌻 Session 3: Paths to the Sun Fiesta– Graduates, Dropouts, Cohorts & Future Ready Verify student outcomes and cohort data. Learn more about Future Ready requirements.
🌞 Session 4: Every Ray Counts – EOY Attendance, EOY Program Participation & EOY Enrollment Reconcile attendance and confirm participation and enrollment data.
🌤️ Session 5: Summer Sunrises – Jumpstart, Extracurricular Calendars & EOY Behavior Capture the full student experience and close out reporting with confidence.
📅 Series Details
Dates: April 17-May 15th, 2026 Time: Fridays from 10-11:30 AM MST Format: Virtual (link provided after registration)
👉 Register here: HERE COMES THE SUN - End of the Year State Reporting Series – Fill out form [forms.office.com]
Recordings will be available for all who register.
We hope you’ll join us as we bring clarity, confidence, and a little sunshine to end-of-year reporting!
MASBO Pre-Conference Workshop:
We will be at the MASBO Summer Conference again this year! We will have a full-day, year in the life of IC training on Monday, with open time to work with districts on Tuesday. Please save the date and join us in Billings on June 15th and 16th! You don't have to be a district clerk to attend these trainings.
Contact the EDUCATE Unit at (406) 444-3800 or
opiaimhelp@mt.gov for assistance.
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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