Assessments
UPCOMING ASSESSMENTS:
February 2021 - ACCESS and Alternative ACCESS for EL Students (KG - 10)April 2021 - MCA and MTAs for Grades 3 - 10
May 2021 - Spring NWEA for Grades 1 - 10
Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing
This is the 3 page Parent Refusal Form in which parents can fill out to opt their child(ren) from taking the State Assessments. (PDF)
MCA Testing Information
Friday April 1, 2021
What is MCA?
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) are state tests in reading, mathematics, and science that are used to meet federal and state legislative requirements. The tests are administered every year to measure student performance relative to the Minnesota Academic Standards that specify what students in a particular grade should know and be able to do.
Why do we give these tests?
We use the MCA to find out how well schools have aligned curriculum to and instructed students in the Minnesota Academic Standards in reading, mathematics, and science.
Who must take these tests?
All students in public schools in Grade 3 - HS are required to participate in the statewide assessment program.
Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan may be eligible for accommodations.
Some students with significant cognitive disabilities may be eligible to take the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) instead of the MCA.
What skills are assessed by the MCA?
The MCA measures student performance on the Minnesota Academic Standards:
The Reading MCA is aligned to the 2010 academic standards.
The Mathematics MCA is aligned to the 2007 academic standards.
The Science MCA is aligned to the 2009 academic standards.
Daily Schedule
9:00am Arrival of Students
9:30am Attendance
10:00am MCA Start
12:00pm BREAK & LUNCH
1:00pm Resume MCA (if needed)
3:00pm MCA End
4:00pm Dismissal
ACCESS Testing Information
Friday January 8th, 2021
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Minnesota requires all English Learners (ELs) in grades K-12 to be assessed for English language proficiency. Your child has qualified to receive English services as an EL and is eligible to take the ACCESS for ELLs English language proficiency assessment. The ACCESS test shows how a student is moving closer to English proficiency at each level.
The ACCESS test will proceed this year, starting Tuesday February 9th, 2021. Students will have to come to school to take the test. Each elementary grade level will be starting on different days and students will be split to take the ACCESS test either in a morning or afternoon session to follow Covid-19 guidelines. Transportation and a bagged lunch will be provided for each student to take home.
All Covid-19 protocols will be in place to ensure a safe environment for all students and staff. We will be providing each student and staff with a face mask and face shield.
You will be contacted by the school with more information regarding transportation and test sessions your child will be assigned to as testing dates get closer.
Please visit www.csemn.org/parents/assessments for a detailed testing schedule and additional resources.
If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact me at mail@csemn.org or the school directly at 651-917-0073.
Sincerely,
Mai Ia Lee
District Assessment Coordinator
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ACCESS Test?
The ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs are the assessments developed by the WIDA consortium and administered to English learners in order to measure progress toward meeting Minnesota’s standards for English language development, developed by the WIDA consortium.
Who will be tested during the ACCESS Test?
EL (English Learner) Students in Grades KG - 10.
Will the test be available to be taken from home instead of at school?
No, the Access Test cannot be done remotely.
Will Transportation be provided?
Yes, families will be contacted by phone or via mail for their child(ren)’s transportation information.
Can I drop off and pick up my child(ren) instead of them taking the bus?
Yes, it is crucial that students get dropped off and picked up on time. This is to avoid gathering at the front and being on time for students to take their test. Please see the Assessment Calendar for dates and times for each Grade Level.
Who would I contact for transportation questions and/or issues?
Call the main office at 651-917-0073
Will the testing schedule for students be sent home?
No, families will be contacted by phone for their child(ren)’s test schedule information. Please see the Assessment Calendar for the dates each Grade level will be tested.
Will meals be provided for students at school during testing?
Yes, a bagged lunch or dinner will be provided for each student to bring home.
Can I refuse for my child(ren) to take the test?
Yes, you may refuse for your child(ren) to take the test for any reason but must notify CSE before testing starts.
Please notify the school of your refusal by:
Filling out theGuide and Refusal for Testingform and submitting it via email tomail@csemn.orgor dropping it off at the school Monday - Friday from 8am - 4pm.Calling the school directly at 651-917-0073Notifying your child’s teacher or EL teacher.
What are the COVID Safety measures during testing?
Face Shields for students/staffFace Masks for student/staffHand sanitizer stands placed throughout the building"T"zone bathrooms designated as use onlyEnter/Exit through the East entrancePPE cleaning supplies provided for each classroom being used.Temperature checks at the EASt entrance for all studentsRemind families that if students have any related Covid-19 symptoms to stay home for the day.
Are masks required to be worn at all times during testing?
Yes, masks must be worn at all times inside the school building.
Will students need to bring their Chromebooks and tablets to school for testing?
No, Chromebooks will be provided at the school during testing.