Montana Science Assessments
End-of-Year Required State Tests
Elementary Benchmark: Grade 5
Montana Science Assessment:
Measures achievement of the Montana Content Standards for Science, Grades 3-5
Online test, same portal as Smarter Balanced
Includes 18 items:
6 clusters (10-15 minutes each)
12 stand-alone items (1-3 minutes each)
field test items (unscored)
Computer-adaptive test (CAT) design
Automatic scoring
Reporting via online portal
Testing Time: 80-100 minutes (breaks allowed)
Developed with Montana educator involvement
Practice and Interim Tests available
Middle School Benchmark: Grade 8
Montana Science Assessment:
Measures achievement of the Montana Content Standards for Science, Middle School
Online test, same portal as Smarter Balanced
Includes 18 items:
6 clusters (10-15 minutes each)
12 stand-alone items (1-3 minutes each)
field test items (unscored)
Computer-adaptive test (CAT) design
Automatic scoring
Reporting via online portal
Testing Time: 90-120 minutes (breaks allowed)
Developed with Montana educator involvement
Practice and Interim Tests available
High School Benchmark: Grade 11
ACT with Writing:
Measures college and career readiness as described in the ACT Science Standards
Focus on Science/Engineering Practices
Science is one section of the ACT with Writing, already taken by all Montana juniors.
Online testing
Includes 40 items, all multiple choice
Fixed-form design
Managed through Pearson Access Next
New Online Reporting System available!
Testing Time: 35 minutes (no breaks)
Cut scores determined by Montana educators
Free preparation opportunities available
*The Alternate Montana Science Assessment (AMSA) is available for students at each benchmark with the most severe cognitive disabilities, about 1% of the student population.
Alternate Montana Science Assessment (AMSA) Grades 5, 8, and 11
Measures achievement of the Alternate Montana Content Standards for Science.
Eligibility for the AMSA must be documented in the student's electronic IEP.
Appropriate accommodations and supports are available.
The AMSA is administered through the same portal as the MSA.
Includes about 40 test questions, all multiple choice and automatically scored.
Testing time varies by student (with multiple breaks allowed).
Developed with Montana educator involvement
Practice tests are available.