District Assessments

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCAs) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota's academic standards and also meet the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). 

Reading: MCA (grades 3-8, 10) or MTAS (grades 3-8, 10)

Mathematics: MCA (grades 3-8, 11) or MTAS (grades 3-8, 11)

Science: MCA or MTAS (grades 5, 8, 11)

• MCA Parent Fact Sheet
• MTAS Parent Fact Sheet
• ACCESS Parent Fact Sheet
• Test Preparation Suggestions for Parents and Teachers

Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.31, subdivision 4a, requires the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to publish a form for parents/guardians to complete if they refuse to have their student participate in state-required standardized assessments. The Parent/Guardian Guide to Statewide Testing document provides some basic information to help parents/guardians make informed decisions that benefit their child and their school and community. The form to meet this legislative requirement is available at the link below; it must be returned to your student's district. Your student’s district may require additional information.

• Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing Form
• MDE Data Center

Your student’s participation in READ Act literacy skills screening plays an important role in supporting their learning and academic growth. This required screening helps teachers understand each student’s literacy development and identify who may benefit from additional instruction or targeted interventions. In the past, some students—such as those with disabilities or English learners—were often excluded from this process. Now, by including all students, schools gain a clearer picture of how every student is progressing in reading. This inclusive approach allows educators to provide the right support at the right time, strengthen literacy instruction for all learners, and continually improve the quality of education across classrooms, grades, and subjects.

• READ Act Screening: Parent/Guardian Decision Not to Participate School Year 2025-26

The Minnesota Student Survey is conducted every three years with students in grades 6, 9, and 12. The survey asks questions about activities, experiences, and behaviors. Topics covered include tobacco, alcohol and drug use, school climate, physical activity, violence and safety, connections with school and family, health, and other topics. Questions about sexual activity are asked only of high school students. The survey is administered jointly by the Minnesota Departments of Education, Health, Human Services, and Public Safety.

• 2022 Survey Results
• 2019 Survey Results
• 2016 Survey Results
• 2013 Survey Results 

District Testing Calendar