Frequently Asked Questions about Montana Science Assessment Summative Test
How many test components make up the Montana Science Assessment?
There is one test for the Montana Science Assessment. There is not a separate performance task (PT) or additional test component.
Do I need a different secure browser for each online assessment (Smarter Balanced, MSA, AMSA)?
No. Smarter Balanced, MSA, and AMSA all use the same online testing system. The secure browser does not need to be downloaded multiple times to administer any of these assessments online.
Do I need a different TIDE account for MSA or AMSA?
No. TIDE is used for all Montana online testing programs (Smarter Balanced, MSA, AMSA). If you already have a TIDE account, it can be used to administer or work with any of these online tests.
When is the Montana Science Assessment Summative testing window?
The Montana Science Summative testing window is scheduled from March 4, 2024, to May 24, 2024. Testing may continue up to and including the last day of the testing window.
Which grades take the Montana Science Assessment Summative Test?
The Montana Science Assessment (MSA) is aligned to the Montana Content Standards in Science and will be administered to all students in grades 5 and 8.
Where do I find information on administering the Montana Science Assessments?
See the Montana Science Test Administration Manual under the resources tab for information on procedural information, training, test resources, test security, accommodations, and accessibility to prepare for and administer the Montana Science Assessments. For specific questions not addressed in this manual, please contact the MT Help Desk at 1-877-365-7915 or mthelpdesk@cambiumassessment.com. The Help Desk is open Monday–Friday 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mountain Time.
Where do I find information regarding universal tools, designated supports, and/or accommodations?
The Montana OPI has a comprehensive document outlining tools, supports, and accommodations offered for Montana Science Assessment online assessments: MSA Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines. This document is located in the About the Assessment section on the Montana portal.
How long will the Montana Science assessments take?
The Montana Science Assessment is untimed. The recommended testing time is at least 90 minutes plus an additional 10 minutes for reading the directions to the students. The recommended testing time is an estimate of how much time students will need to complete the Montana Science Assessment. Students should be given additional time if it is needed. Ninety minutes is the minimum time that must be provided to students unless all students in a testing room have finished early.
What is the pause rule for the Montana Science Summative Test?
There will be a 20-minute pause rule set for the Montana Science Assessment. If a student pauses the test for more than 20 minutes, they will not be able to return to the questions that they previously answered. If a student pauses on a page that contains multiple questions, they will be able to return to the same page and respond to the remaining questions even after the 20-minute pause.
Do the Practice and Training Tests give scores for the students’ responses?
Practice and Training tests will not provide an overall score for a student; however, the ability to score each item individually is embedded within the online practice test.
Can students take the Practice and Training Tests multiple times?
Yes, use of the Practice and Training Tests is unlimited. In preparation for the test and to expose students to the various item-response types in the Montana Science Assessment, it is highly recommended that all students access the Practice Tests, available at https://mt.portal.cambiumast.com/science.html. Each resource offers students a unique opportunity to experience a test in a manner like what they will see on the MSA and prepares students for testing. The Montana Science Practice Tests allow educators and students to experience a full grade-level test and gain insight into the assessments.