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Spring 2021 State Testing Update
March 4, 2021 — The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) requires Minnesota school districts to administer standardized tests in reading, math and science each year in grades 3-8, 10 and 11. The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) and Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) are reading, mathematics and science standards-based assessments used to measure students’ level of mastery of the Minnesota Academic Standards.
Most students take the MCA, but students who receive special education services and meet the MTAS eligibility requirements may take the MTAS instead. The reading test is for students in grades 3-8 and grade 10. The math test is for students in grades 3-8 and grade 11. The science test is for students in grades 5, 8, and eligible high school students. In addition, most students take the MCA online, but some eligible students take the test in a paper test book instead. For the MTAS, teachers work with each student individually using paper test materials.
As the state testing window opens March 8, 2021, both the MCA and MTAS must be taken at school, even if your student is in distance learning. Westonka Public Schools, like all Minnesota public schools, is required to follow health and safety measures any time students are in school. MDE in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Health has also provided guidance specific to test administration, including how to clean test materials, ensure social distancing and provide transportation and meals as necessary.
What if I am concerned about the health and safety of my child and do not want them to go into school to test?
If your child is in distance learning and you do not want them to go into their school to test because of concerns for health and safety related to COVID-19, you can choose to not have your child complete the MCA or MTAS assessments. There are no consequences for your child if they do not participate in testing in spring 2021.
Specific details about state testing will be communicated by your child’s school in the coming days. If you have any questions about state testing, please reach out to one of the individuals listed below:
- Mike Moch, Hilltop Primary School Principal mochm@westonka.k12.mn.us (952) 491-8501
- Scoot Edisness, Shirley Hills Primary School Principal edisnesss@westonka.k12.mn.us (952) 491-8401
- Nick David, Grandview Middle School Assistant Principal davidn@westonka.k12.mn.us (952) 491-8316
- Jen Bormes, Mound Westonka High School School Connections Coordinator boremsj@westonka.k12.mn.us (952) 491-8121
- Mark Femrite, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning femritem@westonka.k12.mn.us (952) 491-8002