Assessment and Testing

What is it?

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are the statewide tests that all schools in Minnesota administer. Almost all students take the MCAs. A very small number of students who receive special education services meet eligibility criteria to take the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) instead of the MCA.

Who takes which tests?

• Reading Test: students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 10

• Math Test: students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 11

• Science Test: students in grades 5, 8 & 10

When will it be administered?

We will administer the MCAs in April according to the calendars linked at the top of this page. (The MTAS follows these calendars too, with some minor adjustments).

How do I ensure my child is ready?

• For students in grades 6-11, we do need their assistance in making sure their technology is ready to go. Please, help your child prep TestNav on their computer (this does need to be done each year). The directions for how to do this are here. 

• In classrooms each day teachers ensure students are learning the concepts and critical thinking skills needed to earn their best possible results as measured by the MCA/MTAS. 

• Additional student resources are available through the MN Department of Education and are linked here.

Why take it?

According to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), the MCAs and the MTAS “help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota's academic standards and meet the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA);” additionally, “school- and district-level test results are used in federal and state accountability measurements.”