MCAAccountability Programs : 
MCA
MDE E-mail Updates
MCA
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota's academic standards and meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind. The reading and mathematics tests are used to determine whether schools and districts have made adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward all students being proficient in 2014. Science is required for No Child Left Behind but is not included in AYP calculations at this time.
Reading and mathematics tests are given in grades 3-8, 10 and 11. Science tests are given in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school, depending on when students complete their life sciences curriculum.
Cognitive Levels on the MCA-II
 346Kb (9/11/2006)
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| An introduction to cognitive levels with examples of how they are used in the Reading, Math and Science MCA-IIs. | |
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Constructed-Response Sunset Plan
123Kb (8/10/2009)
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| Description of the plan to phase out human scoring of constructed-response items within the MCA-II, following 2009 legislation. | |
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MCA-II Scale Scores and Achievement Levels
92Kb (4/18/2008)
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MCA Test Preparation Suggestions for Teachers and Parents
87Kb (11/13/2007)
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Revision Timeline for Minnesota Standards and Assessments
32Kb (8/28/2009)
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| The schedule for revising academic standards and adopting the MCA-III. | |
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Science Assessment in the High School
10Kb (8/28/2009)
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| Identifies which students will take the high school Science MCA-II. | |
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Science MCA-II Fact Sheet
19Kb (4/9/2009)
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Science MCA-II: Computer-delivered Assessment Resources
251Kb (2/27/2009)
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| A summary of the two types of resources available to help familiarize students and staff with the science test: item samplers and classroom assessments. | |
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Science MCA-II: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
131Kb (11/20/2008)
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| Answers to frequently asked questions about test content, requirements, curriculum implications and teacher involvement | |