Standardized Test Prep in Montana
Every year, students in public and non-public accredited schools in Montana are required to take part in the state’s standardized tests. The Montana Comprehensive Assessment System (MontCAS) seeks to ensure that all students are receiving a high-quality education and that they have mastered the state’s standards.
Both the individual and overall scores of each assessment allow stakeholders (teachers, parents, administrators, districts, etc) to understand how students are progressing, where there may be gaps in learning, and determine if any changes in instruction and/or additional resources are necessary.
This page provides helpful information to parents about Montana standardized testing, when the assessments take place, how Time4Learning can help students succeed, and more.
What State Tests Are Available in Montana?
Montana standardized testing takes place every year and is made up of several assessments for students in both the general population and those with special needs. Designed to measure student progress and gain information on academic achievement, students are tested on a number of subjects beginning in third grade and up through high school.
Below is a list of the current standardized tests administered in Montana.
- Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) – This general assessment is designed to measure student progress in the state’s content standards for math and English language arts (ELA) from grades 3-8 and 11. The SBAC is administered online.
- Multi State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) – Created for students with significant cognitive disabilities, the MSAA assesses students in math and ELA in grades 3-8 and 11. The computer-based test includes built-in support features so that students can be assessed on what they know using materials they are familiar with.
- Montana Science Assessment (MSA) – Administered to students in grades 5 and 8, this online assessment is aligned to the state’s science standards and measures student’s mastery of these standards.
- Alternate Montana Science Assessment (AMSA) – Students with significant cognitive disabilities in grades 5, 8, and 11 are administered this science alternate assessment. Like the MSAA, it includes built-in support so that students can show what they know and take the test independently.
- ACCESS for ELLs – Administered to K-12 students identified as English learners (EL), this assessment measures their English language proficiency in the areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking. An alternate version is administered to EL students with significant cognitive disabilities.
Currently, there is no policy for opting out of Montana standardized testing. For parents considering opting their children out of standardized testing, it’s best to contact your local school district to discuss your concerns and learn what your options are.
When is Standardized Testing in Montana?
Montana standardized testing takes place each year during testing windows that last several weeks. This provides ample time for students in every district to be able to take the required assessments.
Below is a general overview of when each standardized test is usually administered in Montana.
- Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) – March-May
- Multi State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) – March-May
- Montana Science Assessment (MSA) – March-May
- Alternate Montana Science Assessment (AMSA) – March-May
- ACCESS for ELLs – December-January
Do Homeschoolers Have To Take Standardized Tests in Montana?
Per Montana homeschooling laws, homeschoolers are not required to take part in the state’s standardized tests. However, if you’re a homeschooler interested in measuring your child’s progress by having them tested, your local school district can answer any questions and provide you with additional information.
How Time4Learning Can Help With Montana Test Prep
If you’re looking to help your student prepare for Montana standardized testing, Time4Learning is a comprehensive, award-winning curriculum that can help your child master difficult concepts, gain confidence and achieve high scores. Below are some ways that Time4Learning can help your child prep for Montana standardized testing.
- Student-paced approach allows students to progress at a pace that is just right for their unique needs and abilities.
- For help with the math portion of Montana’s standardized tests, Time4MathFacts can help students practice their math facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Time4MathFacts is included with your Time4Learning membership at no extra cost.
- Flexible, 24/7 access means that students can log in and learn any time: after school, on weekends, etc.
- Math and language arts curriculum correlates to all state standards so students can practice important concepts assessed on the SBAC.
- As an IBCCES Certified Autism Resource, Time4Learning can help learners with special needs prepare for the MSAA and AMSA.
- Engaging, interactive curriculum makes learning important concepts fun while printable worksheets provide extra opportunities for practice and help reinforce online lessons.
- Students can study important STEM concepts for the MSA with Science4Us, an interactive science curriculum for K-5 included with your Time4Learning membership.
Through preparation and practice, your child can achieve successful results on their Montana standardized test scores. In addition, skill-building programs like Time4Learning can prepare your child and build their confidence before they walk in the door.
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By Regina
“…she leaped ahead of her peers on her state test when returned to public school, we used it during homebound when there was a mismedication, and use it now as a supplement for a teacher that refuses to teach.”
