MCA-IIs (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments)

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress towards Minnesota’s academic standards and meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind.  They are used to determine whether schools and districts have made adequate yearly progress toward all students being proficient in 2014.

     * MCA-II Readings tests are given in grades 3-8 and 10.

     * MCA-II Mathematics tests are given in grades 2-8 and 11.

     * MCA-II Written Composition tests are given in grade 9.

     * MCA-II Science tests are given in grade 5 and 8 and once in high school, depending on when students complete their life science curriculum.

GRAD (Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma)
The Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (GRAD) are the state tests that fulfill Minnesota’s high school graduation requirement for students who first entered grade 8 in 2005-06 or later.  These tests measure student performance on essential skills in Writing, Reading and Mathematics for success in the 21st century.  If a student does not satisfy the graduation requirement for an assessment during the first administration, there will be retest opportunities available.