Assessments

Using data to guide decision-making is essential to providing students with what they need to continue to grow and learn. It is important to consider the appropriateness of the assessment tools, cost, technology needs, training, validity, purpose, use and how information will be reported. Assessment tools need to provide timely, reliable actionable and appropriate information to inform decisions related to students who are falling behind and students who may benefit from accelerated learning opportunities.

Testing Plan (2022-2023)

Main Contact

Daniel Athman
Academic Achievement and Support Services Specialist
daniel.athman@isd47.org

Testing Information and Resources

Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing

Understanding Test Scores and Preparation Tips

Test Preparation Suggestions for Parents

Students should take courses that address the Minnesota Academic Standards. Most schools also make appropriate educational opportunities available to students who are at-risk for not succeeding on statewide assessments.
Share your enthusiasm and interest in reading, mathematics and science with your children.
Provide students with a study area at home.
Encourage students to practice good study habits. Students should set aside time every day for homework.
Make sure students have the opportunity to become familiar with the format of the test.
- Item samplers help students become familiar with the format of the test and the types of questions that are on the test.
- Student tutorials for online tests provide information on using the online tools and describe navigation and item types.
- The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) provides item samplers and information on accessing them and student tutorials.
Ensure students get a good night’s sleep and make sure they eat a nutritious breakfast before taking a test.
Encourage students to answer all test questions.

*Information provided by Minnesota Department of Education (MDE)

Finding and Understanding Test Scores

Test scores are available in Skyward Family Access. To access scores, please login to Skyward Family Access and select the appropriate student (if you have more than one student). Choose Test Scores in the left-hand column.

Tips for Understanding Scores
Students take MCA tests in grades 3 through 8 (reading and math), grade 10 (reading) and grade 11 (math). They also take an MCA science test in grades 5, 8 and 10.
There are four different achievement levels: Exceeds, Meets, Partially Meets, Does Not Meet.

For most students, scores are a combination of the grade in which the student was tested and a performance score.

Exceeds = 60-99
Meets = 50-59
Partially Meets = 40-49
Does Not Meet = 15-39
Example: If a student has a score of 651, it means they tested in 6th grade and achieved a score that Meets the category.

If your student receives special education services, they may have taken the MCA-Modified or MTAS, which have a different score format.

Exceeds = varies by test, look for letter indicator
Meets = 200+
Partially Meets = 190-199
Does Not Meet = 0-189
Example: If a student has a score of 201, it means they achieved a score that meets the category.

North Star Academic Progress

North Star Academic Progress: Are Students Improving or Maintaining Achievement Levels on Academic Tests?

The North Star system uses five indicators: academic achievement (calculated and reported separately for math and reading), progress toward English language proficiency, academic progress (calculated and reported separately for math and reading), graduation rates (calculated and reported separately for four-year and seven-year rates), and consistent attendance. When identifying schools and districts, these indicators are organized into three stages. Stage 1 looks at math achievement, reading achievement, and progress toward English language proficiency. Stage 2 looks at math progress and reading progress in elementary and middle schools, four-year and seven-year graduation rates in high schools, and all four of those measurements in districts. Stage 3 looks at consistent attendance.

Additional information on each of the indicators is available on the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) School and District Accountability webpage. In addition, specific school North Star data is available on the School Report Card from MDE.

Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA)

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment Program consists of reading, written composition, and mathematics tests given to students in Grades 3-11.

These tests have two purposes:
(1) to ensure that students are making progress toward achievement of state standards and
(2) to identify areas of strength or needed improvement within the district’s curriculum program.

The MCA testing program data is shared with parents and is used to make recommendations about the districts education programming. Principals and teachers review the data to identify individual student needs and program adjustments to be considered and implemented. While these tests provide only a snapshot of student achievement, the district uses this information to the fullest extent possible.

Visit the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to learn more.

Assessment Overview by Level

Elementary Assessments

Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs)

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) are state mandated accountability test that all Minnesota districts are required to administer. These tests measure the proficiency on state standards in reading, math and science.

MCA Reading (Grades 3–5)

MCA Math (Grades 3–5)

MCA Science (Grade 5)

FAST (Early Reading, CBM Reading)

Screening test of early literacy skills and curriculum based measurements. The subtests match reading skill development and reliably assess which students are meeting benchmarks and which students need additional assistance.

Grades K–5

Spelling Inventory

Short spelling test that looks at multiple patterns and meanings of common words to determine where students are struggling or excelling in their spelling skills.

Grades K–5

ACCESS for English Learners (EL)

ACCESS for English Learners testing is done in small group and individual settings scheduled by building and will not overlap with MAP and MCA testing.

FASTTrack Reading and FASTTrack Math

Computer adaptive testing of general reading and math abilities.

Grades 2–5

Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessments

Teacher administered periodic assessment to determine students' reading level as well as strengths and areas for growth in reading comprehension and fluency.

Grades K–5

CBM Math Process

Teacher-administered screener and monitor that looks at general mathematics problem-solving skills.

Grades 2–5

Middle School Assessments

Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs)

MCA Reading
Grades 6–8

MCA Math
Grades 6–8

MCA Science
Grade 8

ACCESS for English Learners (EL)

ACCESS for ELLs (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English for English Language Learners) is an English language proficiency assessment given to K–12 students who have been identified as English language learners. ACCESS for English Learners testing is done in small group and individual settings scheduled by building and will not overlap with MAP or MCA testing.

Grades K–12 English Language Learners

FASTTrack Reading and FASTTrack Math

Computer adaptive testing of general reading and math abilities.

Grades 6–8

High School Assessments

Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs)

MCA Reading

MCA Math

MCA Science

Senior ACT / Junior College/Career Readiness Testing Day

Students will select if they would like to take ACT/AccuPlacer/ASVAB. School counselors will work with students to determine the assessment that is the best fit for them.

ACT is a timed test and will cover the subject areas:

English: Measures standard written English and rhetorical skills

Mathematics: Measures mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken ip to the beginning of grade 12

Reading: Measures reading comprehension

Science: Measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences

AccuPlacer: There's no time limit on the tests, so you can focus on doing your best to demonstrate your skills. ACCUPLACER uses the latest computer-adaptive technology, which means the questions you see are based on your skill level. The test includes reading, writing and math.

ASVAB tests are designed to measure aptitudes in four domains: verbal, math, science and technical and spatial.

Grades 11–12

NWEA-MAP (Measures of Academic Progress)

Computer-adaptive, norm referenced achievement test in reading. This is a nationally normed growth measure.

Grades 9

District Report Card

District and School Information

District and School Information

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) strives for excellence, equity and opportunity by working with schools to ensure all children are ready for school, all third graders can read at grade level, all racial and economic achievement gaps among students are closed, all students graduate from high school and all students are ready for a career and college.

The Minnesota Report Card is a tool to help families and communities be informed about schools so that they can make important decisions and meaningfully engage with schools and educators. While it provides a wealth of data, nothing can replace the value of speaking directly a student’s teacher to understand how a student is doing in school.

We hope that the information available in the district report card helps families make decisions and have productive conversations with educators.

For more information about the designations in the report card, please visit School and District Accountability.

Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools District Report Card