MDE Academic Assessments 2

Question 1

Which Minnesota statewide assessment is specifically designed to measure English Language Arts and mathematics proficiency for students in grades 3–8 and 10?

Accepted Answer

MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments)

Answer

The MCA is Minnesota's primary statewide assessment measuring ELA and math proficiency in grades 3–8 and grade 10.

Question 2

The Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) is an alternate assessment designed for which student population?

Accepted Answer

Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities

Answer

The MTAS is an alternate assessment for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who cannot participate in the standard MCA.

Question 3

Under Minnesota law, in which grade do students first take the MCA Science assessment?

Accepted Answer

Grade 5

Answer

MCA Science testing in Minnesota begins in grade 5, with additional administrations in grades 8 and high school.

Question 4

Which federal law primarily drives Minnesota's requirement to administer annual statewide academic assessments to students in grades 3–8 and once in high school?

Accepted Answer

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Answer

ESSA, which replaced NCLB in 2015, requires states to administer annual assessments in ELA and math for grades 3–8 and once in high school.

Question 5

What does the ACCESS for ELLs assessment primarily measure in Minnesota schools?

Accepted Answer

English language proficiency across listening, speaking, reading, and writing

Answer

ACCESS for ELLs measures English language proficiency in four domains—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—for English Language Learners.

(MDE) Minnesota Department of Education Practice Test

(MDE) Minnesota Department of Education Practice Test

MDE Academic Assessments 2