Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA)

The MCA tests measure academic knowledge as described in the state standards for the areas of language arts and mathematics. Click here to read more on statewide testing. Results of these tests help the district make decisions about curriculum and standards.

Read the Annual Report on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Performance for MCA results and the overview of annual testing.

Special testing accommodations may be made for students with special learning plans (e.g., IEP, 504, LEP). Some students may also be permanently or temporarily exempted. Please contact your counselor for more information.

Parents/guardians have a right to refuse their child’s participation in state-required standardized assessments by reviewing and completing this form.

College Ready Assessments

Students in grade 11 who wish to participate in a nationally recognized college entrance exam (ACT) are provided the opportunity to take the exam at the school during the school day.

Students in grade 12 who have not taken a district-provided ACT may be eligible to take the ACT and should contact their principal for more information.

Federal Education Law

At the center of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) the federal education law, are several measures focusing on student achievement and accountability. The federal law requires states to develop academic standards and test students' progress toward achieving the standards.

State and Federal accountability require that students are tested in grades 3-8 and in high school in reading and mathematics. Minnesota uses the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments to meet this requirement. Additionally, annual tests for science are taken once in grades 3-5, once in grades 6-8 and once in grades 9-12.

Results of the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments are used to determine whether a school meets Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) participation and proficiency requirements. Attendance and graduation rate for all students are also part of AYP determinations.

World's Best Workforce

The Minnesota Legislature passed the World's Best Workforce bill in 2013 to ensure every school district in the state is making strides to increase student performance. The School Board must establish goals and align strategic plans and budgets to achieve world-class student achievement by 2027.

View the District's Annual Report to see measurement and achievements related to World's Best Workforce.

Accountability Reporting

Moorhead Area Public Schools is required to prepare the Annual Report on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Achievement, which must be approved by the School Board by Oct. 1 each year.

The report highlights:

• Student achievement goals for meeting the state academic standards

• Result of local assessment data

• School district improvement plans and progress on previous improvement plans and

• Annual assessment of school district testing program

Minnesota Report Card

The Minnesota Report Card provides access to district and school information, test results revenue and expenditure data, and demographic information at the Minnesota Department of Education website.