New MCA Test Results Expected in Late August

Students across the state of Minnesota took the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) tests last April. 

Students in grades 3 through 12 took the reading and math MCAs. Students in grades 5, 8 and 10 also took the science MCA test. This was the first time the new state standards in reading have been assessed since teachers began instructing students using the Common Core English language arts standards during the 2012-13 school year.

The new standards are more challenging and have been “designed to closely align with the real-world knowledge students will need to succeed in college and the workplace,” according to Brenda Cassellius, state commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). As a result, the new test scores may show what appears to be a drop in reading achievement. However, Cassellius emphasizes that comparing these reading scores to past MCA results is not an apples-to-apples comparison.

“Last year’s tests and this year’s tests are measuring two different sets of expectations. Instead, this year’s test scores should be considered a new starting point for performance,” Cassellius said. “We should expect to see future increases in scores each year as teachers and students become more familiar with the standards and better prepared to meet the challenges they present.”

A few students in the district, as well as in other districts around the state, experienced technical difficulties while taking their online tests. MDE allowed those students to restart or continue their testing at a later date and gave them the opportunity to review their previous answers. 

Cassellius said that MDE is working with an outside organization to analyze the test data and determine if the testing interruptions had any impact on individual student scores. She added, “Online assessments are the way of the future and Minnesota continues to be a pioneer in the use of these assessments.”

Another change in the state’s student assessment protocol is that students are no longer required to take the high school exit GRAD tests. Those have been replaced with tests that are geared toward preparing for college and workplace success. Cassellius said that the testing, along with “personally-relevant exploration and planning activities” at an early age will help Minnesota’s students focus on their long-term aspirations. ”Our goal for student testing is to provide parents with clear information about how their child is doing in learning the academic standards,” Cassellius said, “and to provide teachers with timely and useful information that helps them better meet the needs of every student.”

The MDE sets the timeline for the release of test results. District-wide results will be communicated after Aug. 27. District families can expect their students’ test results to arrive in the mail at the end of October. 

Article released by Eden Prairie Schools.