MCA/MTAS
Teachers use formative assessments such as the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) and Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS)* to monitor student progress, to screen students for interventions and to guide instruction.
The State of Minnesota requires students in MN take the following tests in the following grades:
Reading: 3-8 & 10
Math: 3-8 & 11
Science: 5, 8, & 10
The tests are not timed; estimated test administration times are as follows:
| Grade and Test | Total Number of Passages and Items | Total Test Administration |
| 3 Reading MCA | 9-10 passages, 64 items | 2.5-3.5 hours |
| 4-5 Reading MCA | 8-10 passages, 64 items | 2.5-3.5 hours |
| 6-7 Reading MCA | 9 passages, 69 items | 2.5-3.5 hours |
| 8 Reading MCA | 9-10 passages, 69 items | 2.5-3.5 hours |
| 10 Reading MCA | 8-10 passages, 69 items | 2-3 hours |
| 3-4 Math MCA | 58 | 1.5-2 hours |
| 5-6 Math MCA | 60 | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| 7-8 Math MCA | 63 | 2-3 hours |
| 11 Math MCA | 55 | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| 5 Science MCA | 54 | 1.5-2 hours |
| 8 Science MCA | 65-66 | 1.5-2 hours |
| 10 Science MCA | 83 | 2-2.5 hours |
MCA and MTAS test results are given to parents at fall conferences.
*The MTAS is Minnesota’s alternate assessment for students
with the most significant cognitive disabilities. It is designed exclusively for use with students who receive special education services and whose participation has been determined on an individual basis by an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team.
If you have questions regarding MCAs please contact the District Assessment Coordinator, Sheri Fossen, at sfossen@isd100.org or 218-384-4274, ext. 2900.
Wrenshall 2023 MCA/MTAS Schedule:
March 23 Gr. 3,4,5,8 Reading MTAS
March 28 Gr. 3,4,5,8 Math MTAS, Gr. 5,8 Science MTAS
April 10&11: 3rd, 4th, and 10th Reading MCA
April 12&13: 5th and 6th Reading MCA
April 18&19 : 7th and 8th Reading MCA
April 20&21: 3rd, 4th, and 11th Math MCA
April 25&26: 5th and 6th Math MCA
April 27&28: 7th and 8th Math MCA
May 2&3 4: 5th, 8th, and 10th Science MCA
