MCA Assessment Update

Beginning the first week of April and through May, students at Sibley and district-wide will be taking the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA). These assessments are given to students in grades 3-5, and are based upon the grade level expected achievement standards in reading and math. Fifth grade will also take a science test.

The math portion of these assessments will be taken on the computer, and will begin for some students before Easter break. Due to computer lab schedules, each class will take this test on an assigned day that may be different from other grade levels or classes. Classroom teachers will communicate with you which day their class is assigned to take the test.

A change in the math test this year, allows students to take the test up to three times within the testing window to improve upon their scores. Only their highest score will be recorded. The second round opportunity for testing would begin 14 calendar days after the completion of the first. Although teachers may recommend some students re-test, all students will have the opportunity. In fact, many students are excited about the new format as they work to improve themselves and set goals.

The reading MCA’s will be given using a paper and pencil format, and will take place on April 24 and April 26 for grades 3, 4, and 5. Unlike the math test, students will take this assessment only one time. May 10 is the date that all district fifth grades will take the science test. This is a computer based test like the math, but without additional testing opportunities.

The students have been working very hard this year, and the MCA’s are their opportunity to showcase their growth. Please encourage your children to get good rest, eat right, and do their very best on these assessments. The results of these tests help teachers plan their instruction for each child. In that way, it is also important to remind students that doing their best work will help us know how we can best help them grow even more.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me, or your child’s teacher, if you have any questions about these assessments. We are looking forward to celebrating their growth with you and them.