MCA Testing Information

As April begins, it will be a big month at Lakeview, as the students in grades 3-5 will have the opportunity to show how much they’ve learned this year by taking the MCA’s. These state tests are based on the Minnesota academic standards in reading and math. Fifth grade also takes the science MCA.

The math portion of these assessments will be taken on the computer, and will begin the week after Easter. Due to computer lab schedules, each class will take this test on an assigned day that may be different from other grade levels or classes. Classroom teachers will communicate with you which day their class is assigned to take the test. Another change in the math test this year is that students may take the test up to three times to improve their scores. The second round of testing will take place the first week of May, and teachers will communicate with you which students they recommended trying the test again. Although teachers may recommend some students re-test, all students will have the option to do so.

The reading MCA’s will be given using a paper and pencil format, and will take place on April 24 and April 26 for grades 3, 4, and 5. Unlike the math test, students will have the opportunity to test in reading one time only. May 10 is the date that fifth grade will take the science test, which is also a computer based assessment.

The students have been working very hard this year, and the MCA’s are their opportunity to showcase their growth. Please encourage your children to get good rest, eat right, and do their very best on these assessments. The results of tests such as these help teachers plan their instruction for each child, so it is also important to remind students that as long as they do their best, teachers will be able to continue to help them grow.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me, or your child’s teacher, if you have any questions about these assessments. I’m looking forward to celebrating the students’ progress with them and remembering that “It’s okay to be where you’re at, but not okay to stay there.”

Thank you,