Standardized assessment summary
We give students many standardized assessments. The results help us monitor student progress and improve teaching strategies.
Statewide assessments
These tests are required by the state. We explain who takes them and what they measure.
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs)
- Measures academic progress in key subject areas.
- Students who have an IEP and who qualify take an alternate version.
- Reading assessment - Grades 3 - 8 and 10
- Math assessment - Grades 3 - 8 and 11
- Science assessment - Grades 5, 8 and high school students in biology courses
- Measures academic English skills.
- Students who have an IEP and who qualify take an alternate version.
All K-12 students who participate in multilingual learning (ML) take this test every year, until they no longer need ML services.
District standardized tests
The district requires students to take tests to measure reading, math and cognitive skills. These are aligned with state standards. We explain who takes them and what they measure.
Reading tests
Given in grades K and 1, three times a year to test early reading skills
Given in grades 2 and 3, three times a year to test early reading skills
Given in grades 2 - 8, three times a year, measures broad reading skills
Given in grades 4 - 8, once a year to measure foundational reading skills
Given in grades 4-12, once a year to students who have not yet demonstrated grade-level proficiency on a standardized reading test
Math tests
Given in grades K and 1, once a year to test early math skills
Given in grades 2 - 8, three times a year, measures broad math skills
Cognitive tests
Given once in grade 4 to measure a student's verbal, quantitative and non-verbal reasoning abilities
National college and career readiness tests
The district offers the following tests to high school students. We share details about each test.
Given once in grade 10, measures academic progress in English, math, reading and science
Given once in grade 11, measures academic progress and readiness to perform college-level coursework
Offered once in grade 9; establishes a baseline for college readiness
Offered once in grade 11, measures reading, writing and math skills that are essential for college and career readiness
Used to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program
Optional for all students in grades 9-12
Typically, students who are taking AP courses take the corresponding AP test
Optional for all student in grades 10-12, measures a student's proficiency in a world language other than English
Contact us
Teaching & Learning
asktl@wayzataschools.org
Phone
763-745-5000
Address
13305 12th Ave N
Plymouth, MN 55441
Hours
Monday through Friday
7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.