Testing & Assessment
Assessment Program
Testing is one way that student achievement is measured in the Proctor Public Schools. Our 6-8, 9-12, and two K-5 sites administer three categories of assessments during the school year: state assessments, district benchmark assessments, and classroom assessments. State assessments take place once a year, district benchmark assessments take place up to three times a year, and classroom assessments are continuous and ongoing. All three types of assessments provide educators with the necessary information needed to measure student learning.
State Assessments - Standards-Based Accountability Assessments
Rationale: Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.30 and ESEA
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) and alternate assessment Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and also meet federal and state legislative requirements. Students take one test in each subject. Most students take the MCA, but students who receive special education services and meet eligibility requirements may take the alternate assessment MTAS instead. Access for ELLs or Alternate ACCESS for ELLs must be administered to all English Language Learners grades K-12 during an established testing window. It’s used to determine the English language proficiency levels and measurable progress in the domains of speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
The list below shows tests by subject and the grades they are given:
Reading: MCA or MTAS (grades 3-8, 10)
Mathematics: MCA or MTAS (grades 3-8, 11)
Science: MCA or MTAS (grades 5, 8, and 1x in high school, most often in grade 10)
ACCESS for ELL (administered to all English Language Learning students K-12)
District Assessments
Rationale: Minnesota Statute, section 120B.10
In addition to the required state assessments, students in grades K-8 take district benchmark assessments. Screeners: In the context of an RTI prevention model, universal screening is the first step in identifying the students who are at risk for learning difficulties. It is the mechanism for targeting students who struggle to learn when provided a scientific, evidence-based general education (Jenkins, Hudson, & Johnson, 2007). Universal screening is typically conducted three times per school year, in the fall, winter, and spring. Universal screening measures consist of brief assessments focused on target skills (e.g., phonological awareness) that are highly predictive of future outcomes (Jenkins, 2003). (source: rtinetwork.org)
College Entrance Exams
Rationale: Minnesota Statute, section 120B.30
To provide Minnesota graduates with information related to career and college readiness.
Classroom Assessments
Individual teachers administer many types of assessments throughout the school year, including quizzes, chapter or unit tests, and final exams. These formative and summative assessments are used to determine mastery of skills and help inform instruction.
Rationale: Minnesota Statute, section 120B.10
Contact Mark Hughes at mhughes@proctor.k12.mn.us for district assessment questions or concerns.
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