The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) released an overview of the 2015 MCA test results.
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are state tests in mathematics, reading and science that meet the requirements of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). They are given every year to measure student performance against the Minnesota Academic Standards that specify what students in a particular grade should know and be able to do.
The charts to the right show MCA proficiency trends for all students in Minnesota in reading and in math. Reading achievement stayed fairly stable from 2013 to 2015. Math achievement improved slightly from 2011 to 2015. Click to enlarge.
The chart to the right shows reading achievement of students in Minnesota by student group over each of the last three years. Click to enlarge.
The chart to the right shows math achievement of students in Minnesota by student group over each of the last three years. Click to enlarge.
Why MCAs?
The Minnesota Department of Education uses the MCAs to find out how well schools have aligned curriculum to and instructed students in the Minnesota Academic Standards in mathematics, reading and science. The mathematics and reading assessments are also used in federal school accountability measurements.
Schools use the information to improve classroom teaching and learning. Teachers and principals look for areas where students do well so they can reinforce the ways they teach these skills. They also look for areas that need improvement so they can increase instructional time or modify their instruction. Learn more about state testing.