Testing Dates and Prep

For the 2025–2026 school year, Montana has transitioned to the Montana Aligned to Standards Through-Year (MAST) assessment for students in grades 3–8. Unlike traditional end-of-year tests, MAST is broken into smaller "testlets" administered throughout the year to better align with classroom instruction.

2025–2026 MAST Testing Windows

Testing is divided into three primary windows, each lasting eight weeks:

Testing Window	Start Date	End Date
Window 1	October 13, 2025	December 5, 2025
Window 2	January 12, 2026	March 6, 2026
Window 3	March 30, 2026	May 22, 2026

Test Duration: Each individual testlet is designed to take approximately 15–30 minutes to complete.
Subjects: Students are assessed in Math and English Language Arts (ELA).

Prep Tools & Resources

Because MAST is designed to reflect what students are currently learning, “cramming” is discouraged. Instead, focus on familiarizing students with the digital testing environment.

Practice Tests: You can access free MAST practice tests that mimic the computer-based format and show students how to navigate technology-enhanced questions.
Sample Questions: The Lumos Learning platform offers grade-specific sample questions for Math and ELA to help students feel more confident with the question styles.
Kite Parent Portal: Parents can use the Kite Parent Portal to view their child’s weekly score reports once the district establishes a connection.

Tips for Parents

Review Reports: Use the weekly score reports from the Kite Portal to identify specific areas where your child might need extra support.
Stay Informed: Check the Montana OPI MAST FAQ for updated manuals and technical guides.