Interim assessments are one kind of formative assessment, intended to inform classroom instruction. Results are not reported at the state or federal level, and there are no statutory requirements that teachers use them. Instead, they are one tool students and teachers can use to measure progress in their science-learning journey.

Montana's science interims reflect the structure of the Next Generation Science Standards, to which the Montana Content Standards for Science are very similar. Each online interim "testlet" addresses one Performance Expectation, using a cluster of items focused on a particular scientific phenomenon. Within each cluster, students will use a variety of technology tools and interaction types which providing an engaging way for students to learn science and become familiar with the online science assessment platform. (See the Practice Test page for information about MSA and AMSA technology tools and interactions.)

Each grade-band set of interims can by used by any Montana students within that band (3-5, 6-8, or 9-12). Even if your students don't take the MSA, AMSA, or ACT, you can use the science interims to gauge progress toward specific grade-level standards. You might also use these tests as models to create your own three-dimensional classroom activities and assessments!