Electronic Device Policy: We ask that no mobile devices (such as cell phone, smart watch, etc.) be brought to school; students are not allowed to use them during the day, including before and after school. If your student is misusing a mobile device, it will be confiscated and kept in a locked cabinet until a parent/guardian comes to pick it up. Students will not be allowed to use them during testing. Thank you for your cooperation!

10/24/2025

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Rau Elementary is preparing for the Montana Aligned to Standards Through-Year (MAST) assessment through the Montana Office of Public Instruction. Students in Grades 3-8 will take Math and English Language Arts (ELA) assessments in 3 administration windows as indicated in below chart:

 Window 1- November 10th-20th

Window 2- February 9th-20th

Window 3- May 4th-14th

 What is the purpose of the MAST assessment?

The Montana OPI in partnership with New Meridian has developed an improved assessment system that will reflect the needs of our students, teachers, and administrators while providing useful flexibility in terms of test administration. The MAST Assessment implements “through year” assessments across the state that satisfy federal testing requirements and better aligns assessment with instruction.

The ultimate goal with the “through year” model is to support the formative instructional process that is closer to the local decisions required to support teaching and learning needs. Rather than a single end-of- year assessment, the MAST assessment is broken up into smaller testlets over the course of the academic year. The “Through-Year Assessment” design benefits students, teachers, parents, and administrators by more closely aligning assessment with instruction while providing actionable data throughout the school year.

It is important to remember that statewide assessments provide only one measure of student learning, but when combined with grades, classroom activities, unit quizzes and tests, and district-level assessments, statewide assessments can complete the picture of a child’s abilities and help him/her down a path toward academic success in reaching Montana’s Content Standards.

 Details about MAST administration:

·   Participants: 3-8 Grades Math and ELA

·   Administrations: 3 administration windows throughout the year

·   Total Estimated Testing Time: 15-30 minutes per testlet 

·   Technology: Computer-based test delivery via secure site

·   Reports: Student reports will be available weekly after completion of each testlet. Individual student reports will provide results from each testlet and will be made available to parents/guardians on Class Dojo after all students finish testing.

 Here are some things to note about the MAST test:

·   Your child’s privacy will be protected. State and federal laws, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), ensure these data remain confidential.

·   Students with Individual Educational Plans (IEPs), Section 504 plans, or English Learner plans will be assessed based on individual student needs, consistent with all state and federal laws and regulations.

Here are some things you can do to help:

·   Encourage your child to do their very best on everything they do in school, including the MAST assessment.

·   Make sure he or she gets plenty of sleep the night before each test and has a healthy breakfast.   

·   Support your child by explaining the purpose of the tests and helping with homework and test reviews. 

 Learn More:

To learn more about MAST development follow this link to the Montana OPI MAST webpage. New Meridian is a non-profit organization that creates high-quality, innovative assessment solutions that focus on the skills that matter most for success in school and in life. You can learn more about New Meridian here. Parent MAST resources can be found on the MAST Portal under Resources for Parents.

We appreciate your partnership in helping Rau Elementary fulfill the state and federal requirements for statewide assessments and supporting your child to do his/her best.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about MAST. Questions can be directed to Kassie Larson at klarson@rauschool.net or call at (406)482-1088.

Sincerely,

  Kassie Larson

District Testing Coordinator

Rau Elementary