MCA Test Schedule
Now that April is here and it’s the fourth quarter of the school year, we are reminded of the changing of the seasons. Most of us are thinking spring! For our students, it means the testing season is here. The best way that students can prepare for tests is by working hard every day on their schoolwork. The tests measure the standards that are being taught in the classroom.
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) cover grades 3-8, 10, and 11. These tests are given online, and all students need to have headphones or earbuds (not Bluetooth or wireless) for testing. Students and parents can access the testing website at http://minnesota.pearsonaccessnext.com/. Once you are at the Minnesota site, click on the “Preparing for Testing” link. There are many resources available to help with test preparation. Students have been doing practice tests in school. They can access practice tests at any time by clicking on the “Item Samplers” link, which lists the different subjects that will be tested. Students can view the Item Samplers and then they choose their grade level to begin the practice test.
Please make every effort to have your student in school on testing days, and do not schedule any appointments for those days. Of course if they are sick they should stay home. Here are the dates for testing:
April 6-7: Grade 10 Reading
April 11-12: Grade 8 Reading
April 12-13: Grade 5 Science
April 12-14: Grade 3-4 Reading
April 13-14 : Grade 7 Reading
April 20-21: Grade 11 Math
April 20-22: Grade 5-6 Reading
April 26-27: Grade 8 Math
April 26-28: Grade 3 Math
April 27-28: Grade 4-6 Math
April 28-29: Grade 7 Math
May 3-4: HS Science (Biology)
May 6: Reading & Math MCA window closes
May 10-11: Grade 8 Science
May 13: Science MCA window closes
Getting a good night’s sleep has been proven to improve test scores. It is also important to eat a healthy breakfast. Remember that we have free breakfast available every day at school. We can all work together to have a successful testing season!
Mary Beech
MCC District Assessment Coordinator
