Assessment
The Assessment Department assists schools and the school district by collecting, interpreting and communicating findings. Our goal is to engage, educate, and inspire all stakeholders to utilize multiple measures of data to drive decisions impacting students’ lives. We assist staff to integrate data into the district improvement process and encourage data-based decision making. We provide state-of-the-art research, evaluation and assessment expertise and information for diverse stakeholders to maximize educational decision-making and student outcomes.
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; it was updated in May 2018. When completed, it must be returned to your student's district; your student’s district may require additional information.
To opt out of statewide assessments, the proper form must be completed by the parent/guardian.
- Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal for Statewide
- Parent/Guardian Refusal for Student Participation in ACT Assessment
For more information visit the Minnesota Department of Education Assessment Website: Statewide Assessment: Minnesota Department of Education
EARLY CHILDHOOD
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (K-5)
- CogAt
- DIBELS
- STATE ASSESSMENTS - ACCESS
- State Assessments - MCA
- Nationally Normed Tests
- Minnesota Student Survey
CogAt
The CogAt is administered to students in a group setting, and it measures students’ learned reasoning and critical thinking abilities that are developed through in-school and out-of-school experiences. The CogAt has three sections: verbal analogies, quantitative analogies, and nonverbal matrices. Each of these sections is designed to minimize the effects of reading ability on the scores. All students will take the CogAT on a school device, and directions will be given via headphones.
In grade 2, the CogAt is untimed and administered orally. In grades 3-5, the three sections of the CogAt take 10 minutes each. These times include directions, sample questions, and short breaks between sections.
DIBELS
The Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) are a set of procedures and measures for assessing the acquisition of early literacy skills from kindergarten through sixth grade. They are designed to be short (one minute) fluency measures used to regularly monitor the development of early literacy and early reading skills.
DIBELS are comprised of seven measures to function as indicators of phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle, accuracy and fluency with connected text, reading comprehension, and vocabulary. DIBELS were designed for use in identifying children experiencing difficulty in acquisition of basic early literacy skills in order to provide support early and prevent the occurrence of later reading difficulties.
STATE ASSESSMENTS - ACCESS
The ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs are the assessments developed by the WIDA consortium and administered to English learners in order to measure progress toward meeting Minnesota’s standards for English language development, developed by the WIDA consortium. Most English learners will take the ACCESS for ELLs, but English learners who received special education services and meet the participation guidelines may take the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs.
More information about ACCESS tests can be found on the
Minnesota Department of Education Statewide Testing page.
Required by: State of Minnesota
Content Area/Subject: English Language Proficiency (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)
Purpose: Meets ESSA federal accountability requirement for measuring English language acquisition for English Learners (ELs)
Participants: All students identified as English Learners (ELs) in Grades K-12
Mode of Administration: Online (Chromebooks) and headset with microphone, Kindergarten students are assessed with paper.
Test Length: listening up to 40 minutes, speaking up to 30 minutes, reading up to 35 minutes, writing up to 65 minutes.
Accessing Your Child's ACCESS Results:
-
Individual Student Reports (ISR): Each year, MDE sends paper Individual Student Reports (ISR) to the school district. Once received in the district, ISRs will be distributed to families by US mail, during August Back-to-School events, or during fall conferences.
State Assessments - MCA
The MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment) measures student progress toward Minnesota's academic standards and meets the requirements of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
The Title I section of ESSA requires that all public school students be assessed in grades 3–8 and once in high school in reading and mathematics state accountability calculations. Testing of science in grades 5,7, and once in high school is also required for ESSA. Students take one test in each subject. Most students take the MCA, but some students who receive special education services may meet eligibility criteria may take the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS). More information about MCA tests can be found on the Minnesota Department of Education Statewide Testing page.
Required by: State of Minnesota
Content Area/Subject: Reading. Math, Science
Purpose: Meets federal ESSA accountability requirements. Measures how well academic standards are being aligned to curriculum and instruction in our schools, to ensure that all students in the state are provided an equitable education.
Participants: all students in Grades 3-8 and 10 (Reading), All students in Grades 3-8 and 11 (Math), All students Grades 5, 8 and HS students taking a Life Science Course (Science)
Mode of Administration: online (Chromebooks) with headphones.
Test Length: Untimed, average test duration: Reading 2.5-3.5 hours, Math 1.5-2.5 hours, Science 1.75-2.0 hours
Accessing Your Child's MCA Results:
-
Individual Student Reports (ISR): Each year, MDE sends paper Individual Student Reports (ISR) to the school district. Once received in the district, ISRs will be distributed to families by US mail, during August Back-to-School events, or during fall conferences.
GRADE | TEST |
---|---|
3-4 | MCA Reading and Math |
5 | MCA Reading, Math, and Science |
Nationally Normed Tests
NWEA MEASURES OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS
The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) assessment determines your child's instructional level and measures academic growth from year to year in mathematics, reading and science. They are computer-based adaptive tests (presenting easier or more challenging questions based on incorrect or correct responses) that pinpoint each student's instructional level. Learn more about NWEA testing.
GRADE | TEST |
---|---|
K-5 | NWEA Reading and Math |
Minnesota Student Survey
Mankato Area Public School (MAPS) District is inviting students in the 5th, 8th, 9th, and 11th grades to participate in the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey (MSS).
MAPS will administer the MSS on selected dates during the testing window from January 31 – March 18, 2022.
Questions on the survey are about many topics relating to young people’s lives. The survey asks about
-
how well school is going
-
future plans
-
out-of-school activities
-
physical and mental health
-
relationships
-
substance use
-
sexual behavior (high school students only)
This survey has been conducted in schools across our state every three years since 1989. This useful information about students’ thoughts and behaviors helps communities and schools develop effective programs and provide better services for students.
The survey is administered online. Students may read the questions or have the questions read to them through the technology they use to access the survey.
The survey will take approximately 35-50 minutes or one class period to complete including time for providing instructions to students. Several questions will only be shown if a previous question is answered in a certain way. This means most students will not be asked all questions.
The survey is anonymous and confidential. The privacy of students is protected, as students do not provide their names, student identification numbers or other personal information. No individuals or their families can be identified. The results are reported on our students as a whole.
During the survey administration, students may decline to answer any part of the survey or the whole survey. They will be reminded of this before they begin the survey.
Should a family choose not to have their student take the survey, please complete the bottom of the Passive Consent Notice to Parents that was sent to you by your school.
For additional support in accessing the Minnesota Student Survey or if you have any questions about the survey, please contact:
Travis Olson
Director of Teaching and Learning, Mankato Area Public Schools
507-387-1868
Additional information is also available on the Minnesota Department of Education website at https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/health/mss/.
State, county, and district results for 2013, 2016 and 2019 are available in online interactive reports and downloadable PDF tables.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (6-8)
- DIBELS
- STATE ASSESSMENTS - ACCESS
- State Assessments - MCA
- Nationally Normed Tests
- Minnesota Student Survey
DIBELS
The Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) are a set of procedures and measures for assessing the acquisition of early literacy skills from kindergarten through sixth grade. They are designed to be short (one minute) fluency measures used to regularly monitor the development of early literacy and early reading skills.
DIBELS are comprised of seven measures to function as indicators of phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle, accuracy and fluency with connected text, reading comprehension, and vocabulary. DIBELS were designed for use in identifying children experiencing difficulty in acquisition of basic early literacy skills in order to provide support early and prevent the occurrence of later reading difficulties.
STATE ASSESSMENTS - ACCESS
The ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs are the assessments developed by the WIDA consortium and administered to English learners in order to measure progress toward meeting Minnesota’s standards for English language development, developed by the WIDA consortium. Most English learners will take the ACCESS for ELLs, but English learners who received special education services and meet the participation guidelines may take the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs.
More information about ACCESS tests can be found on the Minnesota Department of Education Statewide Testing page.
Required by: State of Minnesota
Content Area/Subject: English Language Proficiency (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)
Purpose: Meets ESSA federal accountability requirement for measuring English language acquisition for English Learners (ELs)
Participants: All students identified as English Learners (ELs) in Grades K-12
Mode of Administration: Online (Chromebooks) and headset with microphone, Kindergarten students are assessed with paper.
Test Length: listening up to 40 minutes, speaking up to 30 minutes, reading up to 35 minutes, writing up to 65 minutes.
Accessing Your Child's ACCESS Results:
-
Individual Student Reports (ISR): Each year, MDE sends paper Individual Student Reports (ISR) to the school district. Once received in the district, ISRs will be distributed to families by US mail, during August Back-to-School events, or during fall conferences.
State Assessments - MCA
The MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment) measures student progress toward Minnesota's academic standards and meets the requirements of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
The Title I section of ESSA requires that all public school students be assessed in grades 3–8 and once in high school in reading and mathematics state accountability calculations. Testing of science in grades 5,7, and once in high school is also required for ESSA. Students take one test in each subject. Most students take the MCA, but some students who receive special education services may meet eligibility criteria may take the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS). More information about MCA tests can be found on the Minnesota Department of Education Statewide Testing page.
Required by: State of Minnesota
Content Area/Subject: Reading. Math, Science
Purpose: Meets federal ESSA accountability requirements. Measures how well academic standards are being aligned to curriculum and instruction in our schools, to ensure that all students in the state are provided an equitable education.
Participants: all students in Grades 3-8 and 10 (Reading), All students in Grades 3-8 and 11 (Math), All students Grades 5, 8 and HS students taking a Life Science Course (Science)
Mode of Administration: online (Chromebooks) with headphones.
Test Length: Untimed, average test duration: Reading 2.5-3.5 hours, Math 1.5-2.5 hours, Science 1.75-2.0 hours
Accessing Your Child's MCA Results:
-
Individual Student Reports (ISR): Each year, MDE sends paper Individual Student Reports (ISR) to the school district. Once received in the district, ISRs will be distributed to families by US mail, during August Back-to-School events, or during fall conferences.
GRADE | TEST |
---|---|
6-7 | MCA Reading and Math |
8 | MCA Reading, Math, and Science |
Nationally Normed Tests
NWEA MEASURES OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS
The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) assessment determines your child's instructional level and measures academic growth from year to year in mathematics, reading and science. They are computer-based adaptive tests (presenting easier or more challenging questions based on incorrect or correct responses) that pinpoint each student's instructional level. Learn more about NWEA testing.
GRADE | TEST |
---|---|
6-8 | NWEA Reading and Math |
Minnesota Student Survey
Mankato Area Public School (MAPS) District is inviting students in the 5th, 8th, 9th, and 11th grades to participate in the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey (MSS).
MAPS will administer the MSS on selected dates during the testing window from January 31 – March 18, 2022.
Questions on the survey are about many topics relating to young people’s lives. The survey asks about
-
how well school is going
-
future plans
-
out-of-school activities
-
physical and mental health
-
relationships
-
substance use
-
sexual behavior (high school students only)
This survey has been conducted in schools across our state every three years since 1989. This useful information about students’ thoughts and behaviors helps communities and schools develop effective programs and provide better services for students.
The survey is administered online. Students may read the questions or have the questions read to them through the technology they use to access the survey.
The survey will take approximately 35-50 minutes or one class period to complete including time for providing instructions to students. Several questions will only be shown if a previous question is answered in a certain way. This means most students will not be asked all questions.
The survey is anonymous and confidential. The privacy of students is protected, as students do not provide their names, student identification numbers or other personal information. No individuals or their families can be identified. The results are reported on our students as a whole.
During the survey administration, students may decline to answer any part of the survey or the whole survey. They will be reminded of this before they begin the survey.
Should a family choose not to have their student take the survey, please complete the bottom of the Passive Consent Notice to Parents that was sent to you by your school.
For additional support in accessing the Minnesota Student Survey or if you have any questions about the survey, please contact:
Travis Olson
Director of Teaching and Learning, Mankato Area Public Schools
507-387-1868
Additional information is also available on the Minnesota Department of Education website at https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/health/mss/.
State, county, and district results for 2013, 2016 and 2019 are available in online interactive reports and downloadable PDF tables.
HIGH SCHOOL (9-12)
- State Assessments
- Nationally Normed Tests
- ACT
- AP Exam Information
- PSAT: Option
- SAT: Option
- Minnesota Student Survey
- STATE ASSESSMENTS - ACCESS
State Assessments
The MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment) measures student progress toward Minnesota's academic standards and meets the requirements of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
The Title I section of ESSA requires that all public school students be assessed in grades 3–8 and once in high school in reading and mathematics state accountability calculations. Testing of science in grades 5,7, and once in high school is also required for ESSA. Students take one test in each subject. Most students take the MCA, but some students who receive special education services may meet eligibility criteria may take the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS). More information about MCA tests can be found on the Minnesota Department of Education Statewide Testing page.
Required by: State of Minnesota
Content Area/Subject: Reading. Math, Science
Purpose: Meets federal ESSA accountability requirements. Measures how well academic standards are being aligned to curriculum and instruction in our schools, to ensure that all students in the state are provided an equitable education.
Participants: all students in Grades 3-8 and 10 (Reading), All students in Grades 3-8 and 11 (Math), All students Grades 5, 8 and HS students taking a Life Science Course (Science)
Mode of Administration: online (Chromebooks) with headphones.
Test Length: Untimed, average test duration: Reading 2.5-3.5 hours, Math 1.5-2.5 hours, Science 1.75-2.0 hours
Accessing Your Child's MCA Results:
-
Individual Student Reports (ISR): Each year, MDE sends paper Individual Student Reports (ISR) to the school district. Once received in the district, ISRs will be distributed to families by US mail, during August Back-to-School events, or during fall conferences.
Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.30 and ESEA
Minnesota Statutes 120B.30 ESEA
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON LAW REQUIRING MCA SCORES BE USED FOR COURSE PLACEMENT
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) scores will soon be used in determining course placement at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. A student’s MCA score could potentially save them significant money by demonstrating that they do not need to take non-credit bearing developmental courses. Read the full announcement.
GRADE | TEST |
---|---|
10 | MCA Reading (or MTAS) |
11 | MCA Math (or MTAS) |
11 | MCA Science (for students who are enrolled in or have completed biology) |
Nationally Normed Tests
NWEA MEASURES OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS
The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) assessment determines your child's instructional level and measures academic growth from year to year in mathematics, reading and science. They are computer-based adaptive tests (presenting easier or more challenging questions based on incorrect or correct responses) that pinpoint each student's instructional level. Learn more about NWEA testing.
GRADE | TEST |
---|---|
9 | NWEA Reading and Math |
ACT
According to current Minnesota State Statutes, all high school students are encouraged to participate in a nationally normed college entrance exam. School districts must provide high school students in grades 11 or 12 the opportunity to take a nationally recognized college entrance exam before graduating. In Mankato Area Public Schools, we offer the ACT plus Writing exam to all students in grade 11 in the spring during the regular school day.
Required by: State of Minnesota (districts choose which assessment to use)
Content Area/Subject: English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing
Purpose: Meets Minnesota State Graduation Assessment Requirement. According to current state statute, all Minnesota public school districts must offer all students in grades 11 and 12 the opportunity to take a College Entrance Exam at school during the school day.
Participants: All students in Grade 11. Also, any new students in Grade 12, who have not already taken the ACT plus Writing.
Mode of Administration: Paper
Test Length: 5.0 Hours
Accessing your child's ACT plus Writing Results:
-
ACT plus Writing results are mailed from ACT directly to the address the student provides on the ACT test answer document.
MyACT Resources:
AP Exam Information
Each spring, all Mankato Area Public Schools high school students have the opportunity to take AP exams at the conclusion of the course.
An AP exam is basically a test of all you learn in an AP class. You earn college credit if you pass the exam given at the end of the year in May. (AP tests are scored between 1 and 5, with anything above 3 considered passing.)
PSAT: Option
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized test administered by the College Board and cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) in the United States.
The PSAT, a test designed to help students practice for the SAT, is an optional test given to students in 10th or 11th grades. Colleges DO NOT receive PSAT score reports. The PSAT is STRICTLY PRACTICE. The exam is one half of a full-length SAT. There is no essay on the PSAT, only 2 reading sections, 2 math sections, and one grammar section.
To learn more about the PSAT click here: College Board: PSAT
SAT: Option
The SAT is an optional standardized test meant to show schools how prepared you are for college by measuring key skills like reading comprehension, computational ability, and clarity of expression. Because so many students take the test, it also provides schools with data about how you compare to your peers nationwide.
You'll almost certainly need to take the SAT or ACT if you're applying to any colleges or universities in the United States, since most require you to submit test scores with your application. Depending on where you want to apply, your ACT or SAT score can account for as much as 50% of the admission decision, so a strong standardized test score is vital.
If a student would like to take the SAT test, please see your guidance counselor. For more information about the SAT click here: College Board: SAT
Minnesota Student Survey
Mankato Area Public School (MAPS) District is inviting students in the 5th, 8th, 9th, and 11th grades to participate in the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey (MSS).
MAPS will administer the MSS on selected dates during the testing window from January 31 – March 18, 2022.
Questions on the survey are about many topics relating to young people’s lives. The survey asks about
-
how well school is going
-
future plans
-
out-of-school activities
-
physical and mental health
-
relationships
-
substance use
-
sexual behavior (high school students only)
This survey has been conducted in schools across our state every three years since 1989. This useful information about students’ thoughts and behaviors helps communities and schools develop effective programs and provide better services for students.
The survey is administered online. Students may read the questions or have the questions read to them through the technology they use to access the survey.
The survey will take approximately 35-50 minutes or one class period to complete including time for providing instructions to students. Several questions will only be shown if a previous question is answered in a certain way. This means most students will not be asked all questions.
The survey is anonymous and confidential. The privacy of students is protected, as students do not provide their names, student identification numbers or other personal information. No individuals or their families can be identified. The results are reported on our students as a whole.
During the survey administration, students may decline to answer any part of the survey or the whole survey. They will be reminded of this before they begin the survey.
Should a family choose not to have their student take the survey, please complete the bottom of the Passive Consent Notice to Parents that was sent to you by your school.
For additional support in accessing the Minnesota Student Survey or if you have any questions about the survey, please contact:
Travis Olson
Director of Teaching and Learning, Mankato Area Public Schools
507-387-1868
Additional information is also available on the Minnesota Department of Education website at https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/health/mss/.
State, county, and district results for 2013, 2016 and 2019 are available in online interactive reports and downloadable PDF tables.
STATE ASSESSMENTS - ACCESS
The ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs are the assessments developed by the WIDA consortium and administered to English learners in order to measure progress toward meeting Minnesota’s standards for English language development, developed by the WIDA consortium. Most English learners will take the ACCESS for ELLs, but English learners who received special education services and meet the participation guidelines may take the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs.
More information about ACCESS tests can be found on the Minnesota Department of Education Statewide Testing page.
Required by: State of Minnesota
Content Area/Subject: English Language Proficiency (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)
Purpose: Meets ESSA federal accountability requirement for measuring English language acquisition for English Learners (ELs)
Participants: All students identified as English Learners (ELs) in Grades K-12
Mode of Administration: Online (Chromebooks) and headset with microphone, Kindergarten students are assessed with paper.
Test Length: listening up to 40 minutes, speaking up to 30 minutes, reading up to 35 minutes, writing up to 65 minutes.
Accessing Your Child's ACCESS Results:
-
Individual Student Reports (ISR): Each year, MDE sends paper Individual Student Reports (ISR) to the school district. Once received in the district, ISRs will be distributed to families by US mail, during August Back-to-School events, or during fall conferences.
CONTACT
Department of Assessment
Melanie Helling, Coordinator
10 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 3
Mankato, Minnesota 56001
507-387-7353
mhelli1@isd77.org