The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind. The reading and mathematics tests are used to determine whether schools and districts have made adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward all students being proficient. Science is required for No Child Left Behind but is not included in AYP calculations at this time.
Reading and mathematics tests are given in grades 3-8, 10 and 11. Science tests are given in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school, depending on when students complete their life sciences curriculum.
MCA specifics from the MN Department of Education: http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/EdExc/Testing/index.html
MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) measures your students’ progress or growth in school. You may have seen charts that measure a student’s height at certain times – such as on their birthday. This is a growth chart. It shows how they’ve grown from one year to the next. MAP does the same sort of thing, except MAP measures your students’ growth in school achievement. MAP is a series of computer-based tests that measure your students’ general knowledge in reading, language usage, and math. Your student will take the MAP tests every year in the fall and spring. 9th and 10th will take reading. 9th, 10th and11th will take the Math test. Other students may be required to take the test based on academic need.
The ACT is a test published and administered by the American College Testing Service. It measures a student’s aptitude in English, math, reading, and scientific reasoning. The ACT also has an optional writing portion which is required by some colleges. We recommend the ACT along with the writing. We recommend students who plan to enroll in a four-year college take the ACT at the end of their junior year. The April or June testing date is recommended. The ACT is an assessment that is used by the colleges in the Midwest as part of their entrance requirements. Registration materials can be picked up at campus or online at www.actstudent.org.
Wolf Creek School Code is: 241-342
Students can access FREE ACT practice tests through local libraries. The practice tests and other ACT preparation material is in the Learning Express database which can be found on any public Minnesota library website. Below is a video tutorial on how to find the Learning Express Library and access free ACT tests and preparation material. VIDEO: https://youtu.be/o2XUGMKCRW8
The Accuplacer was developed by the College Board to provide information regarding the skill level of a student in the areas of reading, writing, English, and math. Most community and two-year colleges use this assessment as a placement tool to assist in selecting the most appropriate classes; contact the college of your choice for more information.
The ASVAB is offered to high school and post-secondary students as part of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program. The program provides tools to help students learn more about career exploration and planning, in both the civilian and military worlds of work. The ASVAB Career Exploration Program is free of charge to participating schools. Call 1-800-323-0513 if you would like to ask questions about other aspects of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program, or receive printed copies of program materials. To learn more about the ASVAB Career Exploration Program, click here.
The PSAT is an optional pre-test for 10th and 11th graders, administered in October and is a predictor of future success on the SAT. It’s given to juniors as the initial step to enter the scholarship competitions conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The test measures developed verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities that are important for successful academic performance in college. It assesses the ability to reason with facts and concepts rather than the ability to recall and recite information. See this link for details: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html
The SAT I is a test published and administered by the College Board. It measures critical reading, math & writing abilities. We recommend that students check with their post-secondary institution to see if it is required. The test is usually used as an entrance requirement for post-secondary institutions not in the Midwest. Registration materials can be picked up in the guidance office or online at www.collegeboard.com
