SWWC's ELC and ALC Testing Information

  • SWWC District Assessment Coordinator
    MCAs and MTAS
    Assessment: MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment
    • Purpose: MCAs are state tests in reading, mathematics and science that are used to meet federal and state legislative requirements. The tests are administered every year to measure student performance relative to the Minnesota Academic Standards that specify what students in a particular grade should know and be able to do. 
    • Parent Fact Sheet
     
    Assessment: MTAS (Minnesota Test of Academic Skills)
    • Purpose: The MTAS is a performance-based assessment in reading, mathematics, and science for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, and it is available in every grade in which the MCA is available. The MTAS is an alternate assessment based on extended standards of the Minnesota Academic Standards that have been reduced in breadth, depth, and complexity. MTAS test materials include Task Administration Manuals, Presentation Pages, and Response Option Cards that incorporate the use of pictures and symbols. The Reading MTAS includes brief passages that may be read aloud to students, while the Mathematics and Science MTAS include object lists that provide guidance on the use of objects or manipulatives for students who need this type of support.
    • Parent Fact Sheet
     
    Approximate Length of Tests
    • MCA Grade 3-8 Reading: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
    • MCA Grade 10 Reading: 2.0 - 3.0 hours
    • MCA Grade 3-5 Math: 1.5 - 2.0 hours
    • MCA Grade 6-8 Math: 2.0 - 2.5 hours
    • MCA Grade 11 Math: 1.5 - 2.5 hours
    • MCA Grade 5, 8 Science: 1.5 - 2.0 hours
    • MCA High School Science: 2.0 - 2.5 hours
    * Results are mailed to families in the fall. 
    ACCESS/Alternative ACCESS
    Assessment: ACCESS for ELLs and Alternate ACCESS
    • Purpose: Access and Alternate Access are English language proficiency assessments used to meet federal and state legislative requirements. These assessments are used to monitor English learners’ progress as they develop academic language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
    • Parent Fact Sheet 
    ACT/SAT - Career and College Readiness
    Districts have a number of requirements to fulfill for students’ career and college planning for students first enrolled in grade eight in 2012-13 and later. This includes offering students in grades 11 and 12 an opportunity to participate in a nationally recognized college entrance exam (ACT or SAT) on a school day. 
    Student Participation in Statewide Assessments
    Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.31, subdivision 4a, requires the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to publish a form for parents/guardians to complete if they refuse to have their student participate in state-required standardized assessments. It includes some basic information to help parents/guardians make informed decisions that benefit their child and their school and community. The form to meet this legislative requirement is available at the link below. When completed, it must be returned to your student's district; your student’s district may require additional information.