Academics » Academic Testing

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. 

Fastbridge
K-12th grade scholars complete Fastbridge literacy and math assessments every fall, winter, and spring. This assessment measures scholars' reading and math ability and growth over time, checks how scholars’ skills compare to national norms for their grade level, and helps identify students who need intervention support. The results also help teachers identify learning areas their class should focus on.

 

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. 

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. 

*If you would like your scholar to opt-out of testing on the state assessment, below is the form to complete and submit:
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