New MCA Data Show Mixed Results for Local School Districts
Improving student test results is proving to be a stubborn challenge.
According to newly released Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) data, only about half of students met or exceeded state standards in reading and math. It was 49.9 percent for reading and 45.5 percent for math, mirroring results from last year.
Locally, the results were mixed, with some districts showing improvements while others saw declines.
In the Robbinsdale School District, 41.4 percent of students were proficient in reading, a 1.1 percentage point increase in 2024. For math it was 26.2 percent, 0.6 percentage points higher than last year.
“We’re pleased that scores are up,” said John Groenke, executive director of student services, in a statement to CCX News. “But they’re not where they need to be. They reinforce the importance of our (Re)Discover Rdale strategic plan, which is designed to continue to strengthen academic achievement, student engagement and wellness, collaboration and partnerships, and staff investment and impact.”
The Osseo School District saw math scores increase, while reading proficiency dipped. For math, it was 43.8 percent, a 1.9 percentage point increase. Reading, meanwhile, fell to 47.8 percent, a 0.8 percentage point drop.
The Wayzata School District also experienced declines despite far exceeding state averages. For reading, 75.4 percent of students met or exceeded state standards, a 0.8 percentage point decrease. For math, scores in the district fell 0.7 percentage points to 72.8 percent.
In addition to math and reading, the MCAs examine proficiency in science across elementary, middle and high school levels. The data is one tool teachers, administrators and school boards use to determine best practices that can lead to increases in academic performance.
“Statewide assessment and accountability data are an important part of a broader set of measures that tell our schools and families how students are doing and guide [the Minnesota Department of Education] in planning how to best support our school communities,” said Willie Jett, the state’s education commissioner.
Results for every school and district can be viewed here.
Also see: Teacher Entering 32nd Year Offers Advice for New Teachers
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