ASSIST = Actionable Systematic Supports to Inform Students and Teachers
Mark your calendars for the 2021 ASSIST Conference!
States and school districts are facing new challenges and opportunities as they navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we are unable to host the 2021 ASSIST Conference in-person the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) remains committed to supporting the use of high-quality assessment to advance student learning. The Montana Comprehensive Assessment System (MontCAS) will conduct the ASSIST Conference virtually using Zoom software and attendees are encouraged to attend the full two-days to meet the diverse local testing needs. The virtual conference will begin at 8:00 AM each day and conclude at 3:30 PM. There will be five 60-minute sessions, two networking times, and breaks scheduled throughout the day. Each session will offer three different strands with unique content to choose from. Planned networking time is intended to foster critical partnerships with stakeholders to build strong local assessment and data practices.
Why Should You Attend? The MontCAS Program supports teaching and learning through a suite of required state assessments aligned to Montana’s academic content standards. Data literacy and its direct influence in guiding instruction, alongside a balanced approach including the use of formative and interim strategies ensures all children have fair and equitable opportunities to obtain a high-quality education and reach, at a minimum, proficiency on challenging academic content standards. This conference is designed to help persons involved with MontCAS receive technical assistance to administer the state required assessments.
The focus of this year’s conference will be on assisting schools with the unique challenges from the pandemic and conditions of test administration across the state. We will offer strategies for addressing these challenges and opportunities to share best practices to strengthen data use.
Use this calendar reminder to Save the Date, and check the Conference Site for more details.
