Embedded Files
Do you have questions about the development of Montana's assessment plan, the design of the summative tests, or the process used to develop the items? The resources below provide detailed information about our transition to assessments that measure achievement of the 2016 Montana Content Standards for Science. If you want to get involved in future activities, we'd love to have you. Check out this description of upcoming opportunities for K-12 science educators.
Test Development Updates
Test Development Updates
ACT Science
ACT Science
ACT Science is part of ACT with Writing, administered to all juniors every spring. ACT develops new items and test forms continually.
ACT will be administered online started Spring 2023.
MSA
MSA
2020 Federal Reporting Waiver was approved, but the census field test was cancelled due to school closures.
2021: A field test was administered. Item validation and data review is taking place within the OPI.
Spring 2022: The operational test was administered
Fall 2022: Scores from the first operational assessment are available via the Reporting System on the testing portal.
AMSA
AMSA
2020 Federal Reporting Waiver was approved, but the operational field test was cancelled due to school closures.
2021: A field test was administered. Item validation and data review is taking place within the OPI.
Spring 2022: The operational test was administered
Fall 2022: Scores from the first operational assessment are available via the Reporting System on the testing portal.
Test and Item Development Process
Test and Item Development Process
VIDEO: The Test Development Process
How are assessments created? The video above describes the multi-year test development cycle and the complex set of factors that come into play during test development.
Test Specifications
Test Specifications
Video: Montana's Science Assessment Vision
Montana Science Assessment Test Specifications
Alternate Montana Science Assessment Test Specifications
Item Specifications
Item Specifications
VIDEO: Item Specification Overview
These guidelines are used by item writers to create items that engage and challenge students while gathering data to support instruction.
MSA Item Specifications
AMSA Item Specifications
Transition Background
Transition Background
VIDEO: Montana's Science Transition
This plan was envisioned by science educators and stakeholders from across Montana.
Visit OPI's Montana Science Transition site to learn more.
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