Assessments

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Melissa Knettel

Executive Director of Teaching & Learning

SouthWest Metro publishes its statewide testing calendar yearly in the fall as required by the Minnesota Department of Education. The calendar is followed by all SouthWest Metro programs.

Minnesota’s statewide assessments give teachers, school districts and state education leaders information in context that they use to make decisions about education. Teachers and schools can use that information to help guide instruction and better support students. The state and members of the public can use the data to focus on the important goal of providing equitable opportunities for all students across the state.

The Minnesota Department of Education provides multiple resources for parents and guardians regarding testing. You will find links to those resources below.

testing calendar 2024-2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child have to take assessments when attending SouthWest Metro?

Yes and No.

Yes. The Minnesota Department of Education requires students to take the MCAs or MTAS test. Per their website, ‘Minnesota’s statewide assessments give teachers, school districts and state education leaders information in context that they use to make decisions about education. Teachers and schools can use that information to help guide instruction and better support students. The state and members of the public can use the data to focus on the important goal of providing equitable opportunities for all students across the state.’

No. If you feel your child would not benefit from being assessed, you can fill out the following form here. If there are any questions regarding MCAs/MTAS, please contact Elizabeth Harner at eharner@swmetro.k12.mn.us or (952) 567-8107.

How do I sign up for the ACT with SWMetro?

Does my child have to take ACCESS testing?

Parents or guardians have the right to refuse to have their student assessed. Families who have refused EL services are not automatically exempted from the ACCESS testing. If you feel your child would not benefit from being assessed, you can fill out the following form here. If you have any questions regarding ACCESS testing, please contact Gosia Mroz at gmroz@swmetro.k12.mn.us or 952-567-8188.

MCA/MTAS Testing

Minnesota students take some form of the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment, or MCA. The MCAs are given in the spring of each year to students in grades 3–8 in reading and math. In high school, Minnesota students take one last Reading MCA in grade 10 and one last Math MCA in grade 11.

The Science MCAs are also given in grades five and eight and once in high school.

Students who receive special education services and meet eligibility requirements take the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) in the same grades.

MCA PARENT FACT SHEET

Mtas parent fact sheet

ACCESS Testing

For Minnesota students identified as English language learners (ELLs), an additional snapshot is needed to determine each student’s progress in English language development. These students take the ACCESS for ELLs assessment every year. English learners who get special education services and meet participation guidelines may take the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs.

The ACCESS monitors a student’s progress with English language skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The assessment helps teachers and school leaders decide how to best support each child. Students take the ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS every year until they meet the language proficiency requirements and can be exited out of English language instruction. Without these assessments, students will continue to receive English language services.

ACCESS PARENT FACT SHEET

ACT Testing

The ACT test is designed for the 10th, 11th, and/or 12th grade levels to provide schools and districts with the data necessary to position students for success after high school. This is an optional test for students designed to help support students pursuing college admissions.

Some colleges require the ACT and some do not. Please check the college website(s) to know if you need to take the ACT or not.

ACT RESOURCES

Avant Testing

Avant's language tests are used to measure proficiency in languages other than English, and they create a path to Minnesota Bilingual Seals and World Language Proficiency Certificate. Students who have demonstrated the required levels of language proficiency may be awarded up to four high school and college credits. Avant testing is available in most foreign languages as well as in American Sign Language (ASL) and Indigenous American Indian languages.