District Testing Information
District Testing Information
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Standards-Based Accountability Assessments
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 federal and state legislative requirements. 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 list below shows tests by subject and the grades they are given.
Reading: MCA or MTAS (grades 3-8, 10)
Mathematics: MCA or MTAS (grades 3-8, 11)
Science: MCA or MTAS (grades 5, 8, and once in high school)
For more information on Minnesota Assessments please visit the Minnesota Department of Education Website listed below.
MDE Testing Information Website
Student Participation in Statewide Assessments
Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.31, subdivision 4a, student participation requires the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to publish a form for parents/guardians to complete if they refuse to have their student participate in state-required standardized assessments. The Parent/Guardian Guide to Statewide Testing document provides some basic information to help parents/guardians make informed decisions that benefit their child and their school and community. The form to meet this legislative requirement is available at the link below; it must be returned to your student's district.
Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing ONLINE form
Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing PRINT form
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The ACT is an admissions test used by 4-year colleges and universities. The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement test. The ACT test covers four academic skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and scientific reasoning. It also offers an optional writing test. Students who qualify for Free/Reduced lunch should stop in the Guidance Office for an ACT Fee Waiver.
For up-to-date information, please click here.
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The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. The ASVAB is given to all juniors in the fall. The test results give students career information that can be helpful in developing their individual career plan.
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The PSAT/NMSQT is a test typically taken in October, that acts as a National Merit Scholarship qualifier and SAT practice. It covers reading, writing, and math with a score range of 320–1520. Benefits include scholarship opportunities and identifying academic strengths.
Key Aspects of the PSAT/NMSQT
- Content (Syllabus): Covers evidence-based reading and writing (vocabulary, grammar) and math (Algebra 1 & 2, trigonometry, geometry).
- Dates: Typically administered in October at local high schools.
- Benefits: Beyond scholarships, it serves as a "practice" SAT, helps identify areas for improvement, and offers free college planning resources.
- Eligibility & Purpose: Primarily for high school juniors (11th grade) to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Sophomores can take it, but only juniors qualify for the scholarship.
- Structure & Length: The digital test lasts 2 hours and 14 minutes, featuring 2 reading/writing modules (54 questions total) and 2 math modules (44 questions total)
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