Click here to view the 2011-12 Assessment PowerPoint 

In District 748, we focus on continuous improvement of instruction. An important part of the district's continuous improvement plan is to incorporate a variety of assessments into classroom instruction to gather data on student's achievement. This data is then used by our instructional staff to improve teaching and student learning. The MCA's or MN Comprehensive Assessments are an important component of this student-centered, assessment plan.

The spring 2013 MCA testing window begins on in April and extends through May. During this time, the MCA's are given in grades 3-8 and grade 10 in Reading, and in grades 3-8 and grade 11 in Math. The MCA Science test, which is an on-line test, is given in grades 5, 8, and following Biology. The MCA/GRAD combination tests are given in the high school. The MCA/GRAD Test in Reading is given to our grade 10 students. The MCA/GRAD Test in Math is given to grade 11 students. Information on all of the assessments given this spring is included below.

GRAD Tests - (Graduation Required Assessment for Diploma) - Achieving a passing score on these tests is required for high school graduation: GRAD Test in Written Composition - Grade 9 - given in April. The MCA/GRAD Test in Reading - Grade 10 - given in April. The MCA/GRAD Test in Math - Grade 11 - given given in April. For information on the ACCESS for our ELL students, please click here.  The following tips provide suggestions for parents on how to approach test taking with their kids.

• Encourage your child to do well, but don't pressure him/her. It is important for your child to stay relaxed, focused, and positive about the test.
• Talking about the test with your child in a positive way can relieve stress about test taking.
• Mark down test days on your calendar so you and your child are both aware of testing dates.
• Let your child relax for a few hours before bedtime during the test-taking days.
• Make sure that your child gets enough sleep on the nights before the tests.
• Ensure that your child eats a healthy breakfast before the test and avoid heavy foods that may make him/her groggy. Avoid high sugar foods that may affect your child's concentration and make your child agitated or hyperactive.
• Make sure that your child gets up early enough so that he/she will be at school on time prior to the beginning of testing.
• If at all possible, please be sure to have your child at school for the entire test that he/she is taking.