Formal learning assessments, more commonly known as tests, are one way that learning is measured and evaluated in Farmington Area Public Schools. Students are given many opportunities to demonstrate both knowledge and skill at every level throughout their time in our schools. As a part of a comprehensive learning assessment, formal exams play an important role in measuring growth over time, providing opportunities for teachers to help identify strengths and areas for continued growth, and ensuring students are ready for life beyond high school.
About District Learning Assessments
American College Testing (ACT)
The ACT is one of the most valuable assessments our learners complete. The ACT is a national standardized test developed to determine college readiness for high school students and college admissions. Farmington High School offers the ACT to all 11th grade students once a year during the school day. Nearly all FHS students take the ACT and the district uses their best score in each subject since many choose to take the test more than once.
The most current national averages available for the ACT are from 2023.
Our scores:
— The FHS class of 2024 had a combined top composite score of 19.5 (most took in April 2023 as Juniors).
— The 2023 national average composite score is 19.5 (2023 is the most current information available).
— Those in the class of 2024 who chose to take the ACT two or more times had an average composite score of 23.8
NWEA-MAP
For learners in grades 2-8, the NWEA MAP assessment is a powerful tool which provides timely feedback. It is typically administered both in the fall and the spring to show growth over time.
NWEA MAP provides "national norms" every 4-5 years which take into account national testing data from the previous 3-4 years. The most recent national norms available were published in 2020.
ISD 192 district averages are consistently in line with the national norms.
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs)
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs)Learners in grades 3-11 take state standardized tests, the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs), each spring. The MCAs are designed to test students against the state academic standards in reading, math and science.* Final Results are typically released in late August or early September for the previous school year.
Our scores:
— In 2022-2023 the percentage of students in 3rd grade scoring at or above reading proficiency levels exceeded the state average.
— In 2023-2024 ISD 192 science proficiency rates rose in all grade levels tested.
— In 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 the percentage of students in high school (grades 10 and 11) scoring at or above proficiency levels was lower than the state averages in Math, Reading, and Science. Many FHS families value other assessments (ACT, AP exams,… etc.) over the MCAs and therefore ISD 192 has an exceptionally large opt-out rate.
— In 2023-2024, nearly 76% of FHS 11th graders opted out of MCA math testing, 64% of 10th grade learners opted out of MCA reading testing, and more than 50% of FHS learners, a mix of 10th and 11th graders based on coursework rather than grade level, opted out of MCA science testing.
*Only grades 3-8 and 10 take the reading assessment. Only grades 3-8 and 11 take the math assessment. The science assessment is taken in grades 5, 8, and once in high school (either grade 10 or 11) based on coursework.