State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Elsie Arntzen is Creating an Innovative Student-Focused Assessment System
HELENA – Superintendent Elsie Arntzen is developing innovative student assessments that will improve student learning, encourage student ownership of test scores, and provide flexibility for teachers administering tests. The Montana Alternative Student Testing (MAST) Program will utilize a new assessment model that supports Through-Year Assessments. These assessments are smaller tests taken closest to the learning of the skill throughout the school year. These tests will provide immediate feedback to parents, students, and teachers.
“One-size-fits-all testing does not measure true academic success over the school year,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “My office is developing a new system of assessment through community engagement and feedback. This new Montana-made system will accurately reflect student learning and lead to educational excellence.”
The Office of Public Instruction (OPI) is working with Education First, New Meridian, and the Center for Assessment to create a 24-member Task Force to write a Theory of Action for the development of the MAST program. This Task Force will meet four times between May 2022 and July 2022. Members of the Task Force represent:
- Policymakers
- School Leaders
- Test Coordinators
- Educators
- Specialized Instructional Staff
- Higher Education
- School Trustees
- School Business Officials
- Parents
- Students
From July 11 to 15, Montana teachers with experience teaching math or English language arts in fifth or seventh grade will meet in Denver, Colorado to be trained on how to write assessment items and then play a role in creating tests for Montana’s new MAST Program.
The MAST program will begin with a piloted test program in grades 5 and 7 during the 2022-2023 school year. Grades 4 and 6 will be added during the 2023-2024 school year. School districts will choose to participate in the pilot program. MAST will replace the statewide federally mandated tests.
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