March 28, 2013
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Each year public school students across the state take the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA). Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will take the MCA in reading and mathematics. Students in grade 5 also will take an online science test. These tests are designed for school accountability and to determine how well students are meeting Minnesota's academic standards. The state monitors whether schools and districts meet certain targets to make sure our students progress toward high standards. This is also how our school is held accountable under the federal No Child Left Behind legislation and the new Multiple Measures Rating (MMR) system recently approved for our states to measure accountability.
For children in 5th grade, the computerized MCA science test will be given on April 9 and 10. Reading will continue to be a paper and pencil test administered on April 16 and 17. The MCA math test will be given on the computer between April 22 and May 3 . Final results for all tests will be mailed home in late September.
Testing tips
Please make sure your child is in school for these tests as good attendance is a key factor for overall student success. In addition, here are some test-taking tips to keep in mind:
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Be sure your child gets plenty of rest (this is important all the time, but especially for test days).
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Eat healthy, balanced meals, and have a good breakfast on test day.
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Remind your children not to get discouraged if they don't know an answer.
A suggested strategy is to select the best choice at that time and go back to review questions at the end of the testing session.
Both paper samples and online item samplers are available for public review at www.MNStateAssessments.com by clicking on the student/family icon and then item samplers.
When to expect results
Because this is a large, statewide test, paper copies of the results are not available until the fall. At that time, parents or guardians will receive a letter informing them of their child's results, along with an explanation of how to interpret the scores. Please watch the school newsletter for further information.
Special Education
If you have a student who receives Special Education services, the IEP team will determine whether or not a test accommodation should be made, or whether an alternate assessment is appropriate.
If you would like more information, please talk with your child's teacher.
Sincerely,
Mike Koenig
Principal
McKinley Elementary
