2020-21 MCA/MAP assessment information for families

St. Anthony-New Brighton families,

Each year, many school districts across the state administer the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) and the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA). These assessments measure a school district's ability to implement academic standards to verify that they are aligned to the state’s academic standards, ensuring all students are being provided an equitable education. 

Please keep in mind that statewide assessments are just one of the many tools that we use to monitor district progress and achievement. Our goal is to provide our students with the highest level of education, engaging in deeper levels of learning. We provide high support to meet students where they are at, moving them toward a mastery of comprehension and application of skills. We design instruction that is aligned with state standards, following a learning progression that allows for multiple entry points. These entry points help move students along a growth continuum of skill acquisition. Through clear learning objectives, students take ownership of their learning and growth, preparing them to become knowledgeable and responsible citizens. 

The MCAs give accountability to districts/schools— not students
When it comes to standardized tests, The MCAs are a decent indicator of how a school and/or district are doing. Where this standardized test lacks is in properly reflecting where a student is at with their learning. For example: 

Let’s assume that a student tried their best on the MCA and wasn't feeling tired, angry, or anxious. Those who write the test would tell you that the same student, with the same knowledge, and the same effort could easily get very different scores on different days. 

So what does this mean? The MCAs have four achievement levels: Exceeds, Meets, Partially Meets, or Does Not Meet the Standards. If your student got a "Partially Meets", they could take the test the next day (same knowledge, same effort) and get a "Does Not Meet" or a "Meets.” Why?— because the MCAs were built to give accountability to schools and districts, not individual kids.  
 
We will provide multiple ways and opportunities throughout each school year to measure the success of our students via progress reports, quarter and semester grades, classroom assessments, and other standardized assessments (i.e. MAP). 

Through rigorous and relevant curriculum and instruction, students are challenged to use high-level thinking and reasoning skills, making connections and meaning between their past and new learning, and applying their learning in meaningful ways. We are rethinking and reimagining how we do school in order to prepare students for lifelong success.
 
MAP and MCA testing for 2020-21 school year
Last year, the district decided not to administer the MCA and MAP testing due to emergency distance learning implemented by Governor Walz. This school year, we are required to administer the MCA and we are choosing to give the MAP. The following will provide a short description, information, and timeline for both the MAP and the MCA.

Important to note about the MCAs: Parents/guardians have the right to not have their student participate in state-required standardized assessments.

MCA - District/school level assessment

• This assessment is administered each year to grades 3-8,10, and 11.
• The MCAs must be taken at school, even if your student is in distance learning. Strict health and safety protocols will be followed during all test administrations, including staff wearing masks, a minimum of a three-foot distance between students. All students are required to wear a mask. Sanitization of testing areas will take place before and after testing. 

MAP - Student level assessment

• Series of adaptive tests that focus on reading and math for students in grades 2-8.
• The MAP helps indicate a student’s current instructional level and helps measure student growth over time. (Still a snapshot in time, but more reflective of student growth than with the MCAs, which is focused on the school and district).
• The MAP must be taken at school (even if your student is in distance learning). Strict health and safety protocols will be followed during all test administrations, including staff wearing masks, a minimum of a three-foot distance between students. All students are required to wear a mask. Sanitization of testing areas will take place before and after testing. 

Dates of MCA and MAP assessments
Each building will be sending out a message to families with information on MCA and MAP testing. Parents/guardians can view the 2020-21 Testing Calendar that is available on our website.

If you have any questions regarding the MAP/MCA tests, please contact your student’s teacher directly. 

Thank you,

Superintendent Dr. Renee Corneille