A screening assessment is a brief check of student progress. Like a vision or hearing screening, it helps us notice when a student may need additional support, closer monitoring, or further review.  It serves as an indicator that there may be an academic or social/emotional concern. Becker's assessment tools are designed to make assessment efficient and instructionally relevant.

For more information, please refer to this informational document.

FAQ: Student Assessment Participation

Why does my child participate in assessments?

Assessments help educators understand how well students are learning and how instructional programs are working. Just as a school yearbook tells a more complete story when every student is included, assessment data is most useful when all students participate.

Assessment results help schools:

• Identify strengths and areas for growth
  
  

• Adjust instruction to better meet student needs
  
  

• Ensure resources are used effectively
  
  

• Monitor progress over time

What statewide assessments do students take?

Students in Minnesota participate in the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA). These assessments measure student learning of Minnesota academic standards and are used statewide to evaluate instructional effectiveness.

Results help the district and the state understand:

• How well students are meeting grade-level standards

• Trends in learning over time

• Whether instructional efforts are improving outcomes for all students

What are universal screening assessments?

Universal screening assessments are short check-ins that occur multiple times per year. They are similar to routine health screenings and help educators determine whether students are on track for grade-level learning.

The district uses FastBridge as its universal screening tool to:

• Monitor student progress

• Identify students who may need additional support or enrichment

• Inform instructional planning

Screening results are only one piece of information and are used alongside classroom work, observations, and family input.

What is the Minnesota READ Act?

The Minnesota Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act is a state law designed to ensure that all students are reading at or above grade level, beginning in kindergarten. It replaced the former Read Well by Third Grade law and took effect in 2023.

The READ Act focuses on early identification and support for students who may be experiencing reading difficulties.

What does the READ Act require schools to do?

Under the READ Act, school districts must:

• Screen all students in grades K–3 three times per year using a state-approved literacy screener

• Screen students in grades 4–12 who are not reading at grade level

• Use screening data to identify students who may need additional reading support

• Provide targeted, evidence-based reading instruction and interventions when needed

All literacy screening tools are approved by the Minnesota Department of Education and are designed to measure foundational reading skills.

Is literacy screening a high-stakes test?

No. Literacy screening is not a pass/fail test and does not affect grades or promotion. Its purpose is to identify students early so support can be provided before reading difficulties become more significant.

How are assessment results used?

Assessment data is never used in isolation. Educators review:

• Multiple assessment results over time

• Classroom performance and observations

• Student work samples

• Family input

This information helps teams make fair and informed decisions about instruction, support, and enrichment.

Does the district limit testing?

Yes. The district carefully reviews its assessment calendar each year to ensure that testing is purposeful and limited to assessments that provide meaningful information. State requirements and stakeholder input guide this process.

Can I opt my child out of assessments?

Families have the right to opt their child out of certain assessments, as permitted by law.

• Local assessments: Families may opt out annually by submitting the Opt Out Form for Local Testing 

• Statewide assessments (MCA): Families may submit the Opt-Out Form for Statewide Testing

Completed forms should be submitted to the school office.

What Parents and Guardians Should Know

Assessment information helps schools support students effectively.

• Assessments are one of several tools used to understand student learning

• Literacy screening helps identify reading needs early so support can be provided

• No single test score determines services or placement

• Families are partners in decision-making and are informed when additional support is recommended

• The district is committed to using assessment time responsibly and purposefully

If you have questions about assessments or your child’s results, please contact your school.

• 2025-2026 SY District Assessment Plan

• 2025-2026 SY District Assessment Schedule