Department of Teaching & Learning

Overview
In Farmington schools, students' progress and knowledge are measured by a number of assessments, including annual state standardized tests, twice-yearly computerized assessments called NWEA tests, and various classroom assessments. All of these tests are part of the district's efforts to ensure all students are learning.

State Standardized Tests - The MCAs and NCLB
Farmington Area Public Schools students in grades 3-11 take state standardized tests each spring called the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs). The MCAs are designed to test students against the state academic standards in reading, math, science and writing.

The MCA tests are also used to measure Farmington Area Public Schools' progress toward the requirements of federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) laws. Schools are required to show progress toward all students being "proficient" - passing - the MCA tests by the year 2014. Schools that are identified as not making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) as measured by the MCA tests are required to take actions to improve test scores.

2009 MCA Results Are Available (posted July 1, 2009)

District Testing
Farmington conducts several assessments at a district level to ensure district curriculum and professional devleopment efforts are effective and efficient in promoting student learning. These assessments include the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) measures of academic progress assessments in reading and math, which are given twice-annually to students in grades 2-10, as well as several grade-specific assessments.

More about District Testing

District and School Improvement Plans
Testing cannot be just about measuring student achievement. Data from tests also are used to improve curriculum and instruction. District 192 continually evaluates its curriculum and provides a coordinated professional development program to ensure teachers have the skills and tools they need to help all students learn.

More about District and School Improvement Plans

More Testing Information

2007-08 Statewide Assessment Calendar

Testing Acronyms - A quick reference guide

BST	Basic Standards Test - Formerly required for graduation. Only students scheduled to graduate in 2009 or 2010 are still required to have passed this test in math, reading and writing before they can receive their diploma.
GRAD	Graduation Required Assessment for Diploma - Given beginning in 2007 as a stand-alone test in writing, and in 2008 as a portion of the MCA (see below) test in reading, the GRAD test replaces the BST as the one students need to pass before they can earn their diplomas. The GRAD will be embedded in the math MCA, taken by juniors, starting in 2009.
MCA	Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment - The MCA (officially the MCA-II) test is the state standards test for reading, math and science. The reading and math tests are given to all students in grades 3-8, 10 and 11, with the science test being administered to students in grades 5, 8 and 10. Results of these tests are used to determine whether students are making adequate yearly progress toward the state's achievement standards, and are also used to determine school and district progress toward the goals of the No Child Left Behind law.
TEAE	Test of Emerging Academic English - The TEAE is a reading and writing English proficience test for English language learners in grades 3-12.
MTELL	Mathematics Test for English Language Learners - The MTELL is a computer-delivered mathematics test in grades 3-8 and 11 with simplified English that reduces the confounding effects of language on mathematics performance.
MN SOLOM	Minnesota Student Oral Language Observation Matrix (MN SOLOM) - The MN SOLOM is a teacher observation matrix that assesses the listening and speaking skills of K-12 English language learners.