All public schools in Minnesota are responsible for meeting the educational needs of all students. Therefore all students are required to participate in the statewide assessment program to see that these needs are being met. Students in grades 3-8, 10, and 11 are required to take the MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment) or the MTAS (Minnesota Test of Academic Skills). Test results will be released on the following schedule:

• Public release of final assessment results          August 25, 2022
• Student reports arrive in the district                   August 25, 2022
• Reports sent to parents                                      Prior to Fall conferences

Required Tests

MCA - These tests are administered once per year to see how well schools have instructed students in reading, mathematics, and science. These tests are given online or available with accommodations (paper/pencil).

Students in:

• Grades 3-4 - Reading and Mathematics
• Grade 5 - Reading, Mathematics, and Science
• Grades 6-7 - Reading, Mathematics
• Grade 8 - Reading, Mathematics, and Science
• Grade 9 - No tests will be given
• Grade 10 - Reading - Science (if they are taking the biology/life science course)
• Grade 11 - Mathematics - Science (taking the biology/life science course)

MTAS - This is an alternate assessment and given to students with the most significant cognitive disabilities as stated in their IEPs. It measures reading, mathematics, and science skills but these tests are considerably less difficult than the items on the MCAs. They are given once per year and in the same grades as listed above. These are administered in a one-on-one setting. Tasks may be read aloud and presented with pictures, symbols, and/or objects to make them accessible to students who need such support.

Optional Tests

ACT - College entrance test. This test is available at the school on a regularly scheduled school day. They are usually offered in early or late spring on one set day with a make-up day also scheduled. They are available to students in grade 11. Twelfth graders can also take the test if they have not taken it in prior years.

ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) - It is offered to high school students as part of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program. This program provides tools to help students learn more about career exploration and planning in both the civilian and military areas of work.

Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.31, subdivision 4a requires that districts include a form for parents/guardians to complete if they do not want to have their child participate in state-required assessments. The Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing form is located on the ZED website (Click Here). This form must be completed each year.