Your student’s participation in Minnesota’s statewide assessments helps to ensure that all learners have access to a high-quality education. Statewide testing provides valuable information that helps improve instruction, allocate resources, and support student success.
For more information, please visit the Minnesota Department of Education's State Testing landing page.
Take a look at the table below for an overview of Minnesota’s assessments and which grades they affect.
Assessment name | Which grades are eligible to take this assessment? | What is this assessment? | When is this assessment given? | Virtual or in-person? |
MCA Reading/Math | Grades 3-8 | The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are statewide assessments that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota's academic standards and meet the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). | Mar. 2-Apr. 30 | In-person |
MCA Science | Grades 5-11 | The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are statewide assessments that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota's academic standards and meet the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). | Mar. 2-Apr. 30 | In-person |
MCA Reading | Grades 9-10 | The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are statewide assessments that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota's academic standards and meet the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). | Mar. 2-Apr. 30 | In-person |
MCA Math | Grades 9-10 | The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are statewide assessments that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota's academic standards and meet the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). | Mar. 2-Apr. 30 | In-person |