Frequently Asked Questions: Data Submission
What data will districts need to submit by July 1, 2013?
No specific measurement is required by statute. It is up to the school district to determine what assessment best measures student progress and proficiency, and to report that information using the data submission template no later than July 1, 2013.
Examples of assessment tools are available on the Reading Well by 3rd Grade web page.
As stated in statute, “For the 2011-2012 school year and later, each school district shall identify before the end of kindergarten, grade 1, and grade 2, students who are not reading at grade level before the end of the current school year. Reading assessments must identify and evaluate students' areas of academic need related to literacy. The district must use a locally adopted assessment and annually report summary assessment results to the commissioner by June 1.”
How is grade-level reading proficiency determined?
As stated in Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.12, “Reading assessments must identify and evaluate students' areas of academic need related to literacy…student's reading proficiency as measured by a locally adopted assessment.”
Where do we get more information about K-3 reading assessment options?
The State Literacy Team has compiled research-based information and resources related to PK-3 assessment tools for screening, diagnostic, and progress monitoring measures. This document is available on the Reading Well by 3rd Grade web page.
Why are some assessment measures listed in blue?
Measures listed in blue are not required, but are research-based assessments proven to indicate student reading proficiency. These measures are recommended if a school district is currently collecting this data. It is not necessary to include this information on the data submission form if it is not the current practice to collect this data.
Districts should use ‘Other’ and complete the orange cell with all relevant information if other measures are used.
How do I submit the data template?
Read directions for submission through a secure server on the Reading K-3 Data Upload web page.
ALL data submissions are due by July 1, 2013.
What is an oral language measure?
Oral language is a critical component of literacy development. As oral language is related to learning to read, research has shown that it is important to evaluate the language capabilities of children starting school and in the early grades. Building understanding in the system of language, children can acquire phonological awareness and phonics; and through their own speech, they demonstrate their understanding of the meanings of words and written materials.
Characteristics of oral language include listening and vocabulary development; understanding of the alphabetic code (which includes phonological/phonemic awareness and alphabet knowledge; and print knowledge (includes environmental print and print concepts). Oral language measures something different from fluency development. Oral language measures do not replace fluency measures, and should only be added to a comprehensive data system if there is a need and use for the data collected.
Do I have to report Grade 3 data?
School districts determine what data to submit. It is required that districts report data for Grades K-2, and Grade 3 data is preferred where it is appropriate to report. This does not include MCA data. There is no need to include MCA data on your submission this year.
Contact Information
Kari Ross, Reading Specialist 651-582-8455
Katherine Edwards, Data Analytics Specialist 651-582-8285
