State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen Announces Approved Testing Waiver That Empowers Students and Educators
HELENA – Montana’s frontier spirit and tireless efforts have yielded positive results for our teachers and students as the U.S. Department of Education (USED) has officially approved the Field-Testing Flexibility Waiver for the new Montana Alternative Student Testing (MAST) pilot program. This landmark program at the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI), the first in the nation, ensures that Montana students, teachers, and district leaders participating in the pilot will have the opportunity to focus their efforts on continuing to innovate without being burdened by double testing.
OPI’s pilot program will deliver real-time assessment data to educators and parents throughout the school year, rather than a single assessment at the end of each year, providing valuable insights into student performance. By securing the waiver, Montana educators can continue their commitment to student success and achievement without the added stress of double testing.
“The approval of the Field-Testing Flexibility Waiver marks a significant milestone for Montana and the nation,” stated Superintendent Arntzen. “With the approval of this waiver, we have illuminated a path where students can flourish, teachers can excel, and families can actively participate in their children’s educational journey. We are charting a course towards a brighter, more student-centric future.”
The impact of Montana’s waiver extends beyond state lines and sets an example across the nation. The decision is a step forward in acknowledging the importance of innovative assessment models that better serve teachers and address individual student needs.
In the waiver, Federal officials acknowledged OPI’s “deliberate and meaningful engagement with stakeholders in assembling the waiver request.” Montana’s education leaders and partners express their gratitude to the U.S. Department of Education for their thoughtful review and recognition of the benefits brought about by the waiver. This support reinforces Montana’s commitment to innovation and student-centered education.
“As a teacher of 23 years and as the State Superintendent, I am profoundly grateful for the support and dedication of our heroic teachers and education partners,” said Superintendent Arntzen. “The pilot program has been recognized from the halls of our schools to the halls of Congress to improve education services to our students.”
Visit the Montana OPI website for more information about the Field-Testing Flexibility Waiver and the innovative MAST pilot program.
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