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 2021 MCA/MTAS Schedule:
April 12- 30: Distance Learners individual Math, Reading, and Science test sessions
April 26 & 28: 4 & 6 MTAS
April 27 & 28: 5, 8, 10 Science MCA
May 4 & 6: 3-6 Reading MCA
May 4 & 5: 7,8,10 Reading MCA
May 11 & 13: 3-6 Math MCA
May 11 & 12: 7,8, 11 Math MCA
