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Testing Information & Results

Our Testing Program

Testing is an important way for us to measure how our students are learning and growing, and to ensure our schools are providing students with what they need to be successful.

Our schools use a variety of tests. The two most common tests - which are taken by the majority of our students - are the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) and FastBridge computer adaptive assessments, such as aReading, aMath, SAEBRS, and CBM.

Forest Lake Area Schools Testing Schedule

What’s the difference between the MCA-III and the FastBridge tests?

  MCA-III FastBridge Formative Assessments
How often is it given? Once per year - in the spring Up to 4 times per year - in the fall, winter, spring, and summer
When are results available? Over the summer/fall Within 72 hours
Who takes it? Grades 3-8, 10 & 11 Grades K-8 (selected 9-12)
How is it administered? Computerized Computerized
What does it measure? Student, school and district performance on academic standards Individual student growth and academic performance and social emotional status
How is it used? System accountability: Measures how students are meeting the Minnesota Academic Standards and determines if individual schools and the entire district is making adequate yearly progress (AYP) as defined by the No Child Left Behind Act. Placement in district programs; Measuring individual student growth; Uncovering individual student's academic strengths and weaknesses; Assists teachers in modifying instruction to meet the needs of students; Uncovering individual students' academic, social and emotional strengths and weaknesses.

 

Testing Opt-Out Information

Your student’s participation in statewide assessments is important as it allows our school and district to ensure all students have access to a high-quality education. When students take the statewide assessments, schools and teachers have more information about how their students are doing and whether curriculum and learning systems are working for students. This helps schools to continuously improve the education we provide and to identify groups, grades, or subjects that may need additional support.

Student participation in state and locally required assessments is a parent/guardian choice. If you choose not to have your student participate in statewide assessments, please fill out this form to notify your child's principal and provide a reason for your decision.

Tests administered in Forest Lake Area Schools

In Forest Lake Area Schools, we assess our students with a variety of different tests, including:

State-mandated assessments

  Further information about state-mandated assessments can be found on the Statewide Testing page of the Minnesota Department of Education website.

District Assessments

Other Assessments

District Testing Results

Our testing program includes a variety of state-mandated tests, and other assessments that help our teachers better meet the needs of students.

Testing is an important way for us to measure how our students are learning. We invite you to learn more about our testing program. For individual student test results, please contact your child's teacher or principal.

Results from the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments and other state tests are available from the Minnesota Report Card section of the Minnesota Department of Education website.   You may also feel free to contact our Assessment & Evaluation Coordinator, Brad Ward, 651-982-8327.