2026-2027 School Year Updates
Release notes outline upcoming customer-impacting changes that are expected to be displayed in production environments. Please note that features considered for future development are not included in the notes.
Updated Features
Mastery College Prep Assessments
Automated Scoring and Reporting
Affected User Roles | District Administrators, School Admins, Data Teams, & Teachers |
Affects User Interface | No |
Affected Areas | Mastery College Prep Reports |
Summary
Mastery College Prep Assessment scaling and scoring now starts automatically when a testing window closes. Districts no longer need to notify our team to begin the scoring process.
- Automatic scoring: Scaling starts as soon as the testing window closes, with no action needed from you. Reports become available in Mastery Connect within five business days after the testing window closes.
Change Benefit
- Less coordination: You don't need to notify Instructure when testing ends.
- Easier planning: A predictable five-day turnaround helps you plan how and when you'll share results.
Note: Reports appear automatically in Mastery Connect once scoring completes. No request to Instructure is needed.
Statistical Equating for Scoring
Affected User Roles | District Administrators, School Admins, Data Teams, & Teachers |
Affects User Interface | No |
Affected Areas | Mastery College Prep Reports |
Summary
Statistical equating is now the scaling and scoring methodology for Mastery College Prep Assessments. This research-backed approach continues to strengthen the accuracy and reliability of our assessment scaling.
Change Benefit
- More defensible scores: Statistical equating gives you a strong, evidence-based method behind every score.
- A foundation for future improvements: This methodology supports upcoming enhancements to reporting and score interpretation.
Achievement Levels Aligned to the ACT
Affected User Roles | District Administrators, School Admins, Data Teams, & Teachers |
Affects User Interface | Yes |
Affected Areas | Data Export, Item Analysis, Research, Mastery College Prep Reports |
Summary
Achievement levels for Mastery College Prep Assessments now align more closely with ACT achievement level ranges. Reports display seven levels instead of four, giving you more granular insight into where each student stands.
Level | Name | Score range |
|---|
Level 1 | Emerging | 1–12 |
Level 2 | Foundational | 13–15 |
Level 3 | Developing | 16–19 |
Level 4 | Approaching | 20–23 |
Level 5 | Proficient | 24–27 |
Level 6 | Advanced | 28–32 |
Level 7 | Distinguished | 33–36 |
Change Benefit
- More precise insights: Seven levels replace four, giving you a finer-grained view of student performance.
- Better-targeted support: The added detail helps educators target instruction and intervention more effectively.
Note: View the updated achievement levels on the Student Report and all Subject Area Reports for Mastery College Prep Assessments in Mastery Connect.
STEM and ELA Composite Scores
Affected User Roles | District Administrators, School Admins, Data Teams, & Teachers |
Affects User Interface | Yes |
Affected Areas | Mastery College Prep Reports |
Summary
The Student and All Subject Report now include composite scores for ELA (English language arts and reading) and STEM (math and science). These scores bring related subject-area results together in one view of student performance.
Change Benefit
- A fuller picture: Composite scores make it easier to see performance across related subjects at a glance.
- Better-informed decisions: Combined results support more informed instructional decisions about next steps.
Note: View STEM and ELA composite scores on the Student Report and All Subject Area Report for Mastery College Prep Assessments in Mastery Connect. Note: ELA Composite scores do not include writing, as writing is hand-scored on the College Prep Assessments.
Redesigned Student Reports
Affected User Roles | District Administrators, School Admins, Data Teams, & Teachers |
Affects User Interface | Yes |
Affected Areas | Mastery College Prep Reports |
Summary
The Individual Student Reports now feature a cleaner, more intuitive design and reflect updated achievement levels and ACT-aligned score ranges for clearer interpretation of student performance.
Change Benefit
- Faster interpretation: The refreshed layout helps you quickly interpret results and identify next steps.
- Clearer communication: Students and families get a clearer picture of performance, readiness, and areas for continued growth.
Note: Redesigned Student Reports appear automatically in Mastery Connect for all Mastery College Prep Assessment administrations
Questions? Contact your Customer Success Manager or assessment.support@instructure.com.
