BILLINGS — Fewer than half of Montana students demonstrated proficiency or above in math and language arts on recent state assessments, according to new test results.

Watch Billings teacher and administrator talk about the new testing system: Montana students struggle in meeting proficiency in math and language arts

The new Montana Aligned to Standards Through-Year Assessment (MAST) test results reveal gaps in third-through-eighth grade students. About 43% of students met proficiency in English language arts, and 37% met proficiency in math.

Students are required to take 19 MAST testlets each year, spreading across three eight-week testing windows.

Teachers and administrators argue the assessment system, while imperfect, provides valuable real-time data to guide instruction.

Mandy

See Full Page