Last school year, the state implemented a new standardized test designed to make sure students are meeting state and federal requirements.

The new test is called MAST — Montana Aligned to Standards Through-Year Assessment. Instead of taking one giant standardized test at the end of the year, Montana public school students now take bite-sized exams throughout the year.

Montana is one of the first states to adopt this type of testing, though others are interested. It keeps the state accountable for its federal funding and helps officials target schools that need more help.

According to an Office of Public Instruction survey, a majority of teachers say the new system is more time consuming. Most teachers also said the tests quizzed students on concepts they hadn’t taught yet, and that the

See Full Page