Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS)Accountability Programs :

Overview
The Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) is Minnesota’s alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards. The MTAS is part of the statewide assessment program and measures the extent to which students with significant cognitive disabilities are making progress in the general curriculum. The MTAS in reading and mathematics was administered for the first time in spring 2007. Beginning in 2007-2008, the MTAS is administered in reading, mathematics and science.

In order to meet federal NCLB requirements, the MTAS has been aligned with the academic content standards established for all students (i.e., Minnesota Academic Standards). Alternate assessments based on functional skills or skills that are taught at an earlier grade level may not be used for AYP calculations.  Additional information about federal guidelines for developing alternate assessments for students with disabilities can be found on the * U.S. Department of Education Website.

The Alternate Assessment for Writing is not used for AYP calculations. Information about this assessment may be found on the department’s Special Education Policy section of our website.

MTAS Test Administrator Training
MDE requires all Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) test administrators to be trained prior to each test administration. If test administrators cannot attend a regional training session, the following MTAS training materials are now available on the MTAS Manuals and Directions section of the website under the heading Test Administration Training:  the online training version, which is narrated with video clips, the train-the-trainer version, which contains the slides and video clips to be used to train others, and the PowerPoint version, which can be used to view training notes and print handouts.

Participate in an Advisory Panel
Teams of Minnesota educators, including general education teachers and special education teachers, are convened throughout the year to participate in various MTAS development activities. To register for an advisory panel, please refer to the Advisory Panels section.

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