Assessment

Measuring Student Growth Within The District:

Assessment is an integral part of instruction, as it determines whether or not the goals of education are being met. Assessment affects decisions about grades, placement, advancement, instructional needs, and curriculum. Today's students need to know not only the basic reading and arithmetic skills, but also skills that will allow them to face a world that is continually changing. They must be able to think critically, to analyze, and to make inferences. Changes in the skills base and knowledge our students need require new learning goals; these new learning goals change the relationship between assessment and instruction. Our teachers take an active role in making decisions about the purpose of assessment and the content that is being assessed. To learn more about State mandated testing please visit MDE TESTING 123 website.

Standards-Based Accountability Assessments:

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) 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)