Standardized Testing in District 622
Standardized testing serves several purposes in District 622.
- Providing information for instructional decision-making;
- Screening for placement in such programs as academic interventions and high potential offerings;
- Reporting to all educational stake holders, from students to community; and
- Evaluating programs to determine what is working, what is not working, and what should be done next.
State Assessments
District 622 follows all Minnesota Department of Education policies and regulations in regard to testing.
ACT Plus Writing
ACT Plus Writing is now a state test for 11th graders, who will take it during regular school hours on April 19th, 2017. District 622 has chosen to offer students the ACT Plus Writing in order to provide students with the most flexibility in selecting post-secondary institutions. Juniors are required to take the test, even if they have already taken an ACT before. There are no ACT test fees for juniors taking the test on this date.
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA)
The MCA and MTAS (alternate assessment used with significantly cognitively disabled students) tests in reading, math and science help schools and districts measure student progress toward the state's academic standards. The MCA reading tests are administered in grades 3-8, 10. Math is administered in grades 3-8 and 11. Science is administered in grades 5 and 8, and once during high school (grade 10 for most District 622 students). Test results are reported to the public, parents and students, and are used to monitor trends in student achievement. They are also used as part of the Multiple Measures Rating (MMR) for schools under Minnesota's waiver to the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act. Student results are sent home with students (in elementary and middle) or mailed home (in high school) before Fall conferences.
MCA scores will soon be used in determining course placement at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (formerly the MNSCU system), potentially saving students significant money by demonstrating they do not need to take remedial courses in math or reading. The table below shows how MCA scores could affect course placement:
| Intended Course of Enrollment (or equivalent) | Enrollment in Developmental Course Unless Additional Information Indicates Otherwise | Need More Information on Readiness | Enrollment in College Level Course |
| College Algebra | 1151 and below | 1152-1157 | 1158 and above |
| Statistics | 1145 and below | 1146-1147 | 1148 and above |
| Other mathematics | 1145 and below | 1146-1149 | 1150 and above |
| Reading Intensive | 1041 and below | 1042-1046 | 1047 and above |
For the list of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, please
click here.
WIDA ACCESS for ELs
This assessment of academic English language skills is given to all Limited English Proficiency students. It includes reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Minnesota is part of a multi-state consortium (WIDA) that uses this assessment to fulfill federal Title III testing requirements. Student results are sent home with students (in elementary and middle) or mailed home (in high school) before Fall conferences.
District Assessments
Formative Assessment for Teachers (FAST)
FAST, developed by FastBridge Learning (FBL) and the University of Minnesota, is a comprehensive reading and math assessment system. It supports district-wide assessment of all students (universal screening) and progress monitoring assessment for students who are receiving additional help. District 622 started using this set of tools in Fall 2014. Student results are available through classroom teachers during fall, winter, and spring conferences.
Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test - Third Edition (NNAT3)
The NNAT3 is a nonverbal measure of general ability. District 622 administers the test to all second grade students in February of each year. These results are used as one of multiple measures which, after further diagnostic assessment, helps identify advanced learners that can benefit from accelerated learning opportunities. Student results are available through classroom teachers in early March.
Career Exploration Assessments
Career Cruising
Career Cruising is a self-exploration and planning program that helps people of all ages achieve their potential in school, career, and life. In January, middle school students use Career Cruising to complete interest inventories before planning their 9th grade schedules.
MCIS
The Minnesota Career Information System (MCIS) is a comprehensive career planning system for high school students. The web-based system provides components to guide students through the career development process in simple steps using powerful tools and resources. Students will find current information on post-secondary schools and the programs of study they offer, skills and interest assessments, information on occupations, scholarships, job search, and much more. Students create their own portfolio and personal learning plan that can be shared with family members. Students should contact their school counselors for more information.
Parent/Guardian Refusal
Parents or Guardians of District 622 students have a right to limit their child's participation in statewide and district assessments. Please complete and submit the
"Parent/Guardian Assessment Refusal" form to your school's main office. To ensure that your child's school is able to fulfill this request, please submit your completed form before testing begins for your child. Every effort will be made to honor requests as well as make other arrangements for your child during testing. If you have questions, contact your building principal or Joe Schantz in the Office of Research, Evaluation, and Assessment (jrschantz@isd622.org or 651-741-7493).
