The purpose of administering statewide testing to all students in Minnesota is to measure student learning of the Minnesota Academic Standards. The rationale and source of this requirement is from the Minnesota State legislature: Minnesota Statutes, Section 120B.30 and ESSA. Because of this legislation, 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 24, 2023 

Student reports arrive in the district August 24, 2023

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). (Minnesota Statutes, Section 120B.30 and ESSA)

Students in Grades 3-4 -- Reading and Mathematics 

Grade 5 -- Reading, Mathematics,and Science 

Grade 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 is 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. (Minnesota Statutes, Section 120B.30 and ESSA)

OptionalTests 

The ACT is a College Entrance test and it's purpose is to provide MN students with information that is related to careers and college readiness. 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. The rationale and source of this requirement is the Minnesota Statutes, Section 120B.30. See the Testing Schedule to see the dates for this test.

The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) 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. See the Testing Schedule for the date this test will be administered.

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 (www.zumbroed.org). This form must be completed each year.