- Northland Community Schools - ISD 118
- Assessments
Curriculum, Instruction and Assessments
MCA Assessments
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The Title I section of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) requires that all public school students be assessed in grades 3–8 and once in high school in reading and mathematics to measure Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). The MCA, MCA-Modified, and MTAS in reading and mathematics are used to meet this federal requirement. Testing of science is also required for ESEA but is not included in AYP calculations. All public school students are assessed in science in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school. Both the Science MCA and the Science MTAS are used to meet this federal requirement.
The Title I assessments measure Minnesota students’ achievement on the Minnesota K–12 Academic Standards. In addition, the assessment results can be used to inform curriculum decisions at the district and school levels.
The grades 3–8 and 11 Mathematics MCA as well as grades 3-8 and 10 Reading MCAs are taken online and are adaptive. This means that the test will adjust to each student’s skills. Every time a student answers a question, her or his response helps to determine the next question that the student must answer. Students will have the opportunity to take the online Mathematics MCA up to three times during the testing window. The score used for final reports and accountability will be the student’s highest valid score. (MN Dept of ED).
Northland Community Schools MCA testing dates, taken in April and May, are noted in the yearly calendar on this website. If you have any questions regarding these tests, please contact Scott Peterson at 566-2351, ext 320217.
District Assessments
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MCA: Reading, Math and Science
Purpose: To assess student learning determined by the Minnesota Benchmarks
Source: State of MN
Estimated times are: Reading 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Math 1.5 - 2 hours
Science 1.75 hours
Date Taken: see calendar below for dates in April and May
Students may work for all or part of their scheduled time depending on how much time is individually needed to complete the section. Make up tests will be scheduled as needed. -
STAR: Reading and Math
Purpose: to give teachers an accurate, reliable and valid data quickly so they can make decisions about instruction and interventions.
Source: Renaissance Learning
Estimated Times: 20-30 Minutes per assessment -
ASVAB - Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test - given to juniors
Purposes: possible entrance into the military, career interest survey, and state assessment requirement
Estimated Time: 3.5 hours
Date Taken: Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Results: Mailed to students 2-3 weeks after test -
ACT - This test is optional for students.
Purpose: It is a college entrance exam accepted and valued by all universities and colleges in the U.S.
Estimated Time: 3.5 hours
Date taken: March 8,2022
Results: Mailed to students 2-8 weeks after the test