Minnesota Assessments
MCAS/MTAS
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) and alternate assessment, Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS), are the statewide tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota's academic standards and meet the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Students take one test in each subject. Most students take the MCA, but students who receive special education services and meet eligibility criteria may take the MTAS.
Reading MCA or MTAS and Mathematics MCA or MTAS are given starting in grade 3
Testing window MCAS/MTAS
The state’s test window for MCAS/MTAS is March 4 – May 3, 2024
English Language Proficiency Accountability Assessments
The ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs are the assessments developed by the WIDA consortium and administered to English learners in order to measure progress toward meeting Minnesota’s standards for English language development, developed by the WIDA consortium. Most English learners will take the ACCESS for ELLs, but English learners who received special education services and meet the participation guidelines may take the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs
Testing window ACCESS/Alternate ACCESS
The state’s test window for ACCESS/Alternate ACCESS is January 29 – March 22, 2024
2023-2024 Testing Calendar
Student Participation in Statewide Assessments
Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.31, subdivision 4a, requires the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to publish a form for families to complete if they refuse to have their student participate in state-required standardized assessments. The MDE Guide linked below provides some basic information to help families make informed decisions that benefit their student, their school and community. The form to meet this legislative requirement is available at the link below; it must be returned to your student's school.
Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing English
Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing Spanish
Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing Somali