Testing

3rd Grade: MCA (Reading and Math)

4th Grade: MCA (Reading and Math)

5th Grade: MCA (Reading, Math and Science)

6th Grade: MCA (Reading and Math)

7th Grade: MCA (Reading and Math)

8th Grade: MCA (Reading, Math and Science)

10th Grade: MCA (Reading and Science)

11th Grade: MCA (Math), ACT, PSAT and ASVAB

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) and alternate assessment Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and also meet the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Students take one test in each subject. Most students take the MCA, but students who receive special education services and meet eligibility requirements may take the alternate assessment MTAS instead. 

The ACT is a standardized achievement examination for college admission. The ACT assessment measures high school students' four skill areas: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. The optional writing test measures skill in planning and writing a short essay. The ACT is a content-based test and until recently, was the required test by colleges in the midwest. Now, most schools accept either the ACT or SAT.

The PSAT/NMSQT is an academic qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship Program. This test consists of critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills. Any student in grade 11 can register for this test, and may be selected for the scholarship. The fee to take this test is $17.00. It is given on October 16th, during the school day.

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The ASVAB test is an interest inventory and an exercise designed to help students explore the world of work. Results of the aptitude test and the interest inventory enable students to evaluate their skills, estimate performance in academic and vocational endeavors and identify potentially satisfying careers. It gives students a good measure of how well they have developed their academic and occupational skills at school, home, and in the community. Students will be provided with their scores on a report called the ASVAB summary results. Based on the results of the eight ASVAB test areas, students will receive three career exploration scores that are provided specifically to help each student research careers in those areas. Student scores will help them get a better understanding of their verbal, math, science, and technical skills compared to other students in the same grade.