South High School

Testing Schedule

What is the MAP Test (computerized)?

Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA/MAP) – Measures of Academic Progress is a state aligned computerized adaptive test in reading and math that reflects the instructional level of each student.  It measures growth over time in addition to performance.  For additional information on this assessment, go to: www.nwea.org

This test is a 9^th grade assessment given once or twice a year depending upon the school.

·         September 19, 2012 – October 10, 2012 and May 1-22, 2013

What is the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment – (MCA-II & III)?

The MCA-II & III are state tests which help districts measure student progress relative to Minnesota’s academic standards.   The MCA II-III Reading and mathematics tests are given in grades 3-8 and 10-12.  More information can be found on the Minnesota Department of Education: www.education.state.mn.us

Reading (computerized)

10^th grade assessment given once a year

·         March 18, 2013 - May 10, 2013

Modified Reading (Special Education – computerized)

10^th grade assessment given once a year

·         March 18, 2013 – May 10, 2013

Science (computerized)

9^th – 12^th grades – yearly 

·         March 18, 201 3- May 17, 2013

Math MCA-II /GRAD – (paper & pencil)

11^th grade only - yearly

·         April 16-17, 2013

·         Make-up:  April 24-25, 2013 and April 30- May 1, 2013

What is the difference between MAP test and the MCA test and why do we need both?

MAP Testing measures each student’s growth from year to year.  MCAs measure, each student in comparison with the Minnesota Standards. 

What are all of these other testing acronyms and names: GRAD, ACCESS, MTAS, and PLAN?

What is the GRAD Test (The Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma)?

The GRAD Retest is the state test that fulfills Minnesota’s high school graduation requirement.  These tests measure essential skills in writing, reading and math for the 21^st century.

Math/Reading Retest (computerized)

11^th, 12^th and super seniors – offered four times a year

·         October 2-10, 2012

·         December 4-12, 2012

·         March 5-13, 2013

Writing Retest (paper & pencil)

10^th-12^th grades & super seniors – offered twice a year and once in the summer

·         November 7, 2012

·         Make-up November 13, 2012

·         April 16, 2013

·         Make-up April 23, 2013

*Summer testing:

·         GRAD Writing Retest / July 23, 2013

·         GRAD Writing Make-up/ July 24, 2013

What is ACCESS – Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State (verbal)?

Access for ELLs addresses the academic English language proficiency (ELP) standards that are at the core of the WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment) Consortium’s approach to instruction and progress evaluation of English language learners.

9th – 12^th grades offered yearly

·         February 4 – March 22, 2013

What is MTAS - Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (paper & pencil)?

MTAS is a performance-based assessment in reading, mathematics and science for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.  It is the alternate assessment that features substantial reductions and complexity of the academic content standards. 

 Math Reading Science (Special Education – paper & pencil)

MTAS/Reading – offered to 10^th only – yearly

MTAS/Science – offered to 9^th-12^th - yearly   

·         March 18 – May 10, 2013

What is PLAN? (Paper & pencil)

PLAN helps students to track their academic strengths and find careers that match their interests.

10^th grade – offered yearly

·         November 5-16, 2012