MCA and MTA Tests

MCA and MTAS tests measure reading, math and science performance. They show students' progress toward state standards.

Overview

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) test students in three subject areas.

• Reading
• Math
• Science

Students with IEPs who meet the eligibility requirements take the Alternate MCA or Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) in the same subject areas.

The purpose of the MCAs and MTAS is to:

• Measure student learning of the Minnesota Academic Standards.
• Provide information to schools and districts on how well students are learning the standards.
• Meet federal accountability requirements in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

How MCAs work

• Students take one subject test at a time.  The state requires us to test students in certain grades and classes.
  • Reading - Grades 3 - 8 and 10
  • Math - Grades 3 - 8 and 11
  • Science - Grades 5, 8 and high school students in biology courses
• Students take the tests online, using iPads, desktops or laptops.
• The test is untimed. It takes an average of:
  • 1.5 to 2 hours for reading
  • 1.5 to 2 hours for math
  • 1 to 2 hours for science

How MTAS and Alternate MCAs work

• Students with an IEP who qualify take one subject test at a time.  The state requires us to test students in certain grades and classes. 
  • Reading - Grades 3 - 8 and 10
  • Math - Grades 3 - 8 and 11
  • Science - Grades 5, 8 and high school students in biology courses
• A special education teacher tests a student one-to-one.
• Students take the test online, on paper, or a hybrid of both modes.
• The test is untimed. It takes an average of:
  • 1 to 1.5 hours for reading
  • 0.5 to 1 hours for math
  • 1 to 1.5 hours for science

Test results

The state sends Individual Student Reports (ISR) to the school district in the fall after testing. These reports are uploaded to Skyward Family Access. 

Find test results in Skyward Family Access