MCA Testing Information
April 7, 14, and 28
MCAs at AVHS will be on Wednesdays in April
Students in grades 10 and 11 will take the computer-delivered Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) on:
- Wednesday, April 7th (11th grade: MCA Math)
- Wednesday, April 14th (10th grade: MCA Reading)
- Wednesday, April 28th (10th grade + any 11th grade student in Biology: MCA Science)
Students need to arrive at AVHS by 9:30 am on these days to take MCAs. Busses will run on their normal routes on a two hour delay. Any student who rides a bus will board their usual bus at the regular bus stop, but two hours later than a typical school day.
We made the decision to test on Wednesdays in order to reduce the number of times students are pulled from in-person instruction for the purpose of testing. To help us appropriately plan for these test examination days, please confirm your MCA testing intentions by clicking completing the short form linked below.
MCAs Provide Information to Schools About Progress Towards Standards
The MCAs are part of the educational accountability system in Minnesota and evaluate district, school, and individual student progress on Minnesota Academic Standards in reading, math, and science. There is no minimum passing score on the MCAs; schools use MCA results to make curricular and instructional decisions for all students.
- The mathematics test is for 11th-grade and will be administered on Wednesday, April 7. The test includes multiple-choice and other item-type questions involving numbers and operation, algebra, geometry and measurement, and data analysis and probability. The grade 11 MCA also includes algebra, geometry and measurement, and data analysis and probability.
- The reading test is for 10th-grade and will be administered on Wednesday, April 14. The test includes multiple-choice and other item-type questions which test skills in literature and informational text.
- The science test is for 10th-grade (and 11th-grade students in Biology) and will be administered on Wednesday, April 28. The test includes multiple-choice and other item-type questions involving the nature of science and engineering, physical science, earth and space science, and life science. High school items address the nature of science and engineering, and life science.
Test Security Information for Students
As with any test, students have a responsibility to keep test content secure and act with honesty and integrity during the administration of the MCAs. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) expects students to follow all state and district policies for test administration. MDE has added a code of conduct that students must view before beginning any standards-based accountability assessment:
On this test, do your own best work to show what you know and can do.
- Do not accept help finding answers to test questions.
- Do not give answers to other students.
- Do not tell others what is on the test.
- There may be consequences if you do not follow directions or if you behave dishonestly.
MDE takes test security seriously and encourages any individual with firsthand knowledge of a test security concern to contact MDE. Educators, parents, students, and others can report any suspected incidents of cheating or other improper or unethical behavior on statewide assessments by using an online tip line at https://w1.education.state.mn.us/tip/, by sending an email to mde.testing@state.mn.us or calling 651-582-8674. (If the report is submitted anonymously, MDE will not respond in writing.)
Depending upon the nature of each report and the amount of information provided, MDE will follow up with the district to investigate alleged irregularities. If individuals have a concern about test security practices, they are encouraged to raise their concerns with the District Assessment Coordinator or the district’s legal counsel before contacting MDE.
For more information about state testing, please contact:
Bill Blatzheim
Arts & Activities Director | Testing Coordinator
Apple Valley High School
(952) 431-8202
william.blatzheim@district196.org
Apple Valley High School
Email: william.blatzheim@district196.org
Website: avhs.district196.org
Location: 14450 Hayes Road, Apple Valley, MN, USA
Phone: 952 431 8200