District Testing Information
MCA
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.
Parent 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 Form
ACT
Minnesota schools are required to give students in grades 11 and/or 12 the option to take a nationally recognized college entrance exam during the school day. Royalton Public Schools chooses to offer the ACT exam.
The ACT is a national assessment that provides information to students, their families, and the district regarding the level of preparedness for postsecondary success. The assessment is given on paper or online and must be administered on an assigned test date.
Information for Students
Students may also register for an alternate test date (or retake) by going to the ACT website at
http://www.actstudent.org/regist/centers/.
Information for Parents
Students with a disability may qualify for accommodations for college entrance exams, such as the ACT. For details please talk to your student's case manager and/or the testing coordinator.
ACT Aspire
The ACT Aspire covers 5 content areas including English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing.
By testing in these areas the school is able to gain a better picture of each individual student and where their current skills are excelling and where they may need a little extra attention. Additionally, it can help prepare a student for the ACT and future college courses.
All 5 tests are completed online and are timed tests. Once a test is started it must be completed within the allowed time frame, but different tests can be taken on different days.
During the 2019-2020 school year students in 10th grade will be taking the ACT Aspire assessment.
Accuplacer
The Accuplacer is an non-timed admissions test for PSEO students as well as students planning to enroll in Minnesota 2-year schools or vocational/trade schools.
The Accuplacer is a free test for first-time testers. Students take the assessment on the computer. Students will need a photo ID and their social security number to take the test.
ASVAB
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.
PSAT/NMSQT
This College Board test assesses the critical reading, mathematics and writing skills students need for college and beyond. The PSAT/NMSQT helps students become college ready. It provides feedback on skills, access to scholarships and personalized online tools.
Royalton High School offers this exam to interested juniors every October. Contact the
Guidance Office for details.
