MDE Academic Assessments 5

Question 1

Which Minnesota assessment is specifically used at grade 11 as the statewide college and career readiness measure and is taken by nearly all juniors?

Accepted Answer

ACT

Answer

Minnesota administers the ACT to all grade 11 students as the statewide college and career readiness assessment, replacing a prior MCA at that grade.

Question 2

In Minnesota's assessment system, what is the primary distinction between a 'summative' and a 'benchmark' assessment?

Accepted Answer

Summative assessments evaluate learning at the end of an instructional period; benchmark assessments check progress at intervals throughout the year

Answer

Summative assessments (like the MCA) measure overall achievement at year end, while benchmark assessments are interim tools given periodically to track progress.

Question 3

Under Minnesota's tribal consultation requirements, what must MDE do when developing or revising statewide academic standards and assessments that affect American Indian students?

Accepted Answer

Consult with Minnesota tribal nations and incorporate their input into the standards and assessment development process

Answer

Minnesota law requires MDE to consult with tribal nations when developing academic standards and assessments to ensure cultural relevance and tribal input.

Question 4

A district's MCA participation rate falls below 95% for the economically disadvantaged subgroup. What is a direct consequence under Minnesota's ESSA accountability system?

Accepted Answer

The school's participation rate issue is flagged and can lower its overall accountability indicator scores

Answer

Falling below 95% participation is reflected in accountability calculations and can lower a school's performance indicator scores under ESSA.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the purpose of Minnesota's Alternate Assessment (MTAS) compared to the standard MCA?

Accepted Answer

MTAS assesses the same academic content areas but with reduced complexity aligned to alternate achievement standards for students with significant cognitive disabilities

Answer

MTAS covers the same academic content areas as the MCA but at reduced complexity aligned to alternate academic achievement standards for eligible students.

(MDE) Minnesota Department of Education Practice Test

(MDE) Minnesota Department of Education Practice Test

MDE Academic Assessments 5