Academic Testing
We use the following student tests to gauge academic growth.
MCA
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) and Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) are reading, mathematics, and science standards-based assessments that measure student learning. These assessments are used by all public schools in Minnesota to meet federal and state legislative requirements. Most students take the MCA, and students who receive special education services and meet eligibility requirements take the MTAS instead. Each spring, students take the Reading and Math assessments in grades 3-8, 10, and 11. Students take the Science assessments in grades 5, 8, and once in high school.
Educators and schools can use the results to plan instruction and evaluate their curriculum. Families can also use the results as one way to measure how students are doing on the content that is part of their daily instruction. Your school will provide you with an individual student report for your child.
Aimsweb
AimsWebPlus Oral Reading Fluency assessment is a nationally normed assessment that Hiawatha schools use to assess students’ reading fluency. Hiawatha students in grades K-8 complete the assessment three times per year, in fall, winter, and spring. Students read two short stories aloud to their teacher during each test session. The student’s test score shows how many words they can read correctly per minute. This information helps teachers understand students’ overall reading strength and whether students need additional support with phonics or fluency.
MAP GROWTH
MAP is a computer-adaptive test created by NWEA that Hiawatha students grades K-8 take every spring for Math and Reading. (When new students join our Network, they also take MAP in the fall.) The results are used to ensure that Hiawatha’s instructional program is supporting academic growth over time for all Hiawatha students. At Hiawatha, we use MAP as a consistent, normed check-up on students’ academic growth compared to a nationally normed data set. MAP Growth has been around for almost 20 years, and nine million students across 50 states take it every year.
ACCESS
The ACCESS 2.0 and Alternative ACCESS are given every year to scholars who receive English Learner services. This test measures scholars’ language proficiency in the areas of listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It focuses on the language scholars need to be successful in reading, math, science, and social studies, as well as in everyday social situations. This test is also used to decide whether or not a scholar will benefit from continuing to be in English Learner services or if they should exit the program. We use it to celebrate the language growth or scholars make and set goals for future learning.