The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA III’s) and alternate assessment, Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS), are the statewide tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and meet the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Students take one test in each subject. Most students take the MCA III’s, but students who receive special education services and meet eligibility criteria may be assigned the MTAS instead of the MCA-III. This is a state and federally mandated assessment program

• Reading is administered to grades 3, 4 ,5, 6, 7, 8, 10. 
• Math is administered to grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11. 
• Science is administered to grades 5, 8, 10. 
• Testing time for reading MCA III in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 is 2.5 to 3.5 hours. 
• Testing time for reading MCA III in grades 10 is 2.0 to 3.0 hours. 
• Testing time for math MCA III in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,and 8 is 1.5 to 2.5 hours. 
• Testing time for science MCA III in grades 5 and 8 is 1.75 hours. 
• Testing time for science MCA III in grade 10 is 2 hours.  
• All times are averages for completion; there are no time limits for taking MCA-IIIs.  Students are encouraged to take their time.

Reading: 1 to 2 ½ hours estimated total time to complete

3rd-6th grade: April 7-11
7th-10th grade: April 14-17

Math: 1 to 2 ½ hours estimated total time to complete

3rd-6th grade: April 22-25
7th-11th grade: April 22-30

Science: ½ an hour to 1 ½ hours estimated total time to complete

5th/8th/10th grade: April 28-May 5

Reading and Math makeup tests need to be done by May 1st.
Science makeup tests need to be done by May 8th.

• College entrance exam 
• Juniors (and Seniors who did not participate as juniors) may take the test once for free
• Seniors who were scheduled to take the test last Spring can be enrolled in the October 6th testing date
• RRC will be administering the test on the morning of April 4, 2023

• The Pre-ACT test provides students with practice for the ACT test and measures of progress towards college readiness. 
• This test is provided for all 10th grade students on an annual basis. 
• The test is a shortened version of the ACT and students are provided with test results, as well as personalized career exploration suggestions.
• Date: Wednesday, March 1, 2023

• Taken in Grades K – 4
• This assessment provides individual student data regarding math concepts and application of skills, reading comprehension, fluency, phonological awareness, phonics, usage, and vocabulary.
• Tests are given individually for grades K-1
• Grades 2-4 will be assessed in classroom groups.
• Results will be available via JMC individual student accounts following each testing cycle.
• These assessments are LEA required.
• These Tests are administered three times per year:
  • August 27th
  • December 4th
  • May 4th

• January 29, 2024 – March 22, 2024

The Minnesota Student Survey (MSS) is one of the longest-running youth surveys in the nation. It is a triennial survey that began in 1989. The survey is an anonymous statewide school-based survey conducted to gain insights into the world of students and their experiences. Learn more about the Minnesota Student Survey. 

The survey will be given to RRC students in 5th, 8th, 9th, and 11th grade on February 19, 2025.