The Montana OPI is working to develop an improved assessment system that will accurately reflect the needs of our students, teachers, and administrators while providing useful flexibility in terms of test administration.  The vision of the Montana Aligned to Standards Through-Year (MAST) Pilot is to implement “through year” assessments across the state that can eventually replace the traditional end-of-year state summative assessments and satisfy federal testing requirements.

The Through-Year Assessment design benefits students, teachers, parents, and administrators by providing actionable data at the beginning of the school year and by providing a meaningful model of student growth over the academic school year (i.e., with-in year so teachers can act as opposed to between years).  Another goal for the design feature is to allow districts to flexibly align testing with local scope and sequence offering coherence with the taught curriculum.

Montana MAST Road Show

The OPI is excited to invite you to participate in the upcoming MAST Road Show happening throughout Montana April 2 - 12, 2024. This event presents a fantastic opportunity for districts to delve deeper into the Montana Aligned to Standards Through-Year (MAST) assessment and its statewide implementation for the 2024-2025 school year. During the MAST Road Show, both the OPI and New Meridian team will offer comprehensive insights into the various components of MAST, including its purpose and design. Tailored specifically for Montana stakeholders involved in grades 3-8 assessments, this in-person event serves to help support Montana’s districts with the MAST's statewide rollout in the 2024-2025 school year. Save the date for the upcoming event at a location near you. Please REGISTER HERE. We look forward to seeing you there!

Montana MAST Through-Year Assessment Summit

The first Montana MAST Through-Year Assessment Summit occurred on February 27, 2024. This virtual event was specifically designed for Montana school personnel involved in grades 3-8 assessments as part of the preparations for MAST statewide implementation in the 2024-2025 school year.

Event Highlights:

• Engaging discussions with keynote speakers from Education First, the Center for Assessment, and New Meridian.
• Topics ranging from the foundations of through-year assessments to Montana's MAST implementation.
• Participation-based sessions, role-alike discussions, and a panel on family engagement.
• Insights into educator engagement, score report development, accommodations, and instructional utility.

Recordings of each session can be accessed at this link.

Montana Educators' MAST Contributions

Montana educators and leaders are playing a crucial role in the development and enhancement of the MAST assessment. To become involved, please visit the MAST Engagement Opportunities website. Your participation is invaluable in shaping the future of state assessment.

A team of highly dedicated and passionate teachers from across Montana have come together as part of the MAST Educator Cadre to contribute to test item writing and review. The expertise and valuable insights provided by Montana's educators are essential in ensuring the MAST assessment's quality and relevance. Through their active involvement, Montana educators are significantly shaping the MAST assessment process, ultimately benefiting students throughout the state.

The dedication of Montana's educators to the field of education and their willingness to contribute to the improvement of the MAST assessment is greatly appreciated by the OPI. Their commitment to the success and growth of Montana students is truly commendable.

Stakeholder Live Listening/Feedback Session

We have designed user feedback cycles throughout the school year to ensure continuous improvement of the MAST. These sessions will serve as an opportunity for users like you to share feedback, suggestions, and experiences to help us enhance the usability of the MAST. 

We value your input and encourage you to participate in these live listening/feedback sessions. The fourth live listening/feedback session for through-year particiapting districts is scheduled for April 9th from 4:00-4:30 pm.

Zoom Link

Dial by Telephone
+1 646 558 8656

OPI Staff are here to help:

Tressa Graveley, MAST Assessment Specialist

Krystal Smith, Operations Manager

opipilot@newmeridiancorp.org