Standardized Testing

Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments are administered to students in grades 5 through 8 during the months of April and May each school year. The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota's academic standards and meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind.  They are used to determine whether schools and districts have made adequate yearly progress toward all students being proficient in 2014. The MCA includes a reading paper-pencil test and an on-line mathematics test.  In addition, an on-line science test is administered to students in grades 5 and 8.

The NWEA computerized Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) are administered by computer to students in grades 5 through 8 in the spring of each school year. MAP's are achievement tests in mathematics and reading. The test will indicate to the classroom teacher how well each student is performing so he or she can best help the students in class. The MAP results will also help each student to know what they need to be working on to improve their math and reading skills.

The EXPLORE is administered to all 8th grade students in the fall of each school year. The EXPLORE contains academic tests in English, math, reading, and science, an interest inventory, and questions about each student's plans for high school and beyond. The EXPLORE will indicate areas that each student needs extra help or additional coursework, suggestions for improving their skills, and careers that match their interests.

If you have questions or need help interpreting your child's standarized test results please give your child's school counselor, Jamie Schlafke a call at 320-274-8226 ext. 2700.