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 is administered in reading, mathematics and science.

In order to meet federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements, the MTAS has been aligned with Minnesota's academic content standards established for all students. Alternate assessments based on functional skills or skills that are taught at an earlier grade level may not be used for Adequate Yearly Progress (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 used as the alternate assessment for the Written Composition Graduation-Required Assessment for Diploma (GRAD). Information about this assessment may be found on the department’s Special Education Policy section of our website.

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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