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State-by-State Analysis: Montana

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Elementary

Middle

High School

Elementary

Middle

High School

Standards
The table below indicates the content the AFT looks for when reviewing English, math, science, and social studies standards. Standards that are clear and specific at the elementary, middle, and high school levels are shaded as indicated in the legend above. Standards that do not meet our criteria remain clear or "empty." Refer to the Content Standards link at the right to read our complete criteria for evaluating standards.

English

Reading Basics

Reading Comprehension

Writing Conventions

Writing Forms

None

None

Elementary, Middle and High

None

None

Math

Number Sense

Measurement

Geometry

Algebra

Data Analysis

None

None

None

None

None

None

Science

Earth Science

Physical Science

Life Science

Middle and High School

Middle and High School

Middle and High School

Middle and High School

Social Studies

Civics

U.S. History

World History

None

Elementary, Middle and High

None

None

Updated 8/2004 

Curriculum & Instruction
The table below identifies the components of a standards-based curriculum. If the components are present the appropriate levels—elementary, middle, and high school—are shaded as indicated in the legend above. If the components are missing, than the graphic remains clear or "empty." Refer to the Curriculum & Instruction link at the right to read our complete criteria for evaluating standards-based curriculum materials.

 

English

Math

Science

Social Studies

Learning Continuum

None

None

None

None

Instructional Resources

None

None

None

None

Instructional Strategies

None

None

None

None

Performance Indicators

Performance descriptors

None

None

None

None

Rubrics / scoring guides

None

None

None

None

Sample student work

None

None

None

None

Commentary on student work

None

None

None

None

Lesson Plans

Specifies standards addressed

None

None

None

None

Specifies prior knowledge needed

None

None

None

None

Integrates two or more standards

None

None

None

None

Indicates necessary materials

None

None

None

None

Includes classroom assessments

None

None

None

None

Indicates length of time needed

None

None

None

None

Includes sample student work and rubrics

None

None

None

None

Provides instructional guidance

None

None

None

None

Includes instructional strategies for diverse learners

None

None

None

None

Updated 11/2001

Assessing Student Performance
The table below indicates the features of an "open" or transparent assessment system that is based on the content standards. If the features are present the appropriate levels—elementary, middle, and high school—are shaded as indicated in the legend above. If the features are missing, than the graphic remains clear or "empty." Refer to the Assessing Student Performance link at the right to read our complete criteria for evaluating open and aligned testing systems.

 

English

Math

Science

Social Studies

Grades assessed

4, 8, 10

4, 8, 10

 

 

Alignment report available

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

None

None

State indicates standards tested

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

None

None

State indicates number of items per standard

None

None

None

None

Test or sample items released

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

None

None

Released items indicate standard tested

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

None

None

State provides grade-specific performance level descriptors

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

None

None

State provides rubrics

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

None

None

State releases scored student work

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

None

None

Released student work includes scorer commentary

None

None

None

None

Updated 4/2004

Accountability
The table below indicates the elements of a student accountability policy. If the elements are present, the appropriate levels—elementary, middle, and high school—are shaded as indicated in the legend above. If the elements are missing, than the graphic remains clear or "empty." Refer to the Accountability link at the right to read our complete criteria for evaluating student accountability policies.

 

English

Math

Science

Social Studies

State requires academic intervention for struggling students

State funds academic intervention for struggling students

Promotion from grade to grade in elementary or middle school and/or graduation from high school is based, in part, on state test results

Students can earn awards for meeting higher standards

High School

High School

High School

High School

Updated 11/2001

 

 


Documents Reviewed

Iowa Test of Basic Skills Test Guide, 2004 (assessments)

Math Blueprint, 2004 (assessments)

Math Constructed Response Items Overview, 2004 (assessments)

Montana Comprehensive Assessment System, 2004 (assessments)

Montana Comprehensive Assessment System—Criterion-Referenced Test, 2004 (assessments)

Montana Comprehensive Assessment System—Math Grade Level Learning Expectations for Grades 3-8, 10, and upon Graduation, 2003 (standards)

Montana Comprehensive Assessment System—Reading Grade Level Learning Expectations for Grades 3-8, 10, and upon Graduation, 2003 (standards)

Montana Standards for Literature (standards)

Montana Standards for Mathematics (standards)

Montana Standards for Reading (standards)

Montana Standards for Science (standards)

Montana Standards for Social Studies (standards)

Montana Standards for Writing (standards)

Reading Blueprint—Progress Toward Standards, 2003 (assessments)

Reading Constructed Response Items Overview, 2004 (assessments)

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