The percentage of District 196 students who scored proficient on the state reading and math tests exceeded the statewide averages for all eight grades tested in spring 2012, according to results of the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) released by the Minnesota Department of Education Aug. 1.

The MCAs are given each year to students statewide in grades 3-8 (reading and math), grade 10 (reading) and grade 11 (math). In District 196, more than 13,000 students took the MCAs last spring. Results for individual students will be mailed to parents in the fall.

The MCAs measure student performance on the Minnesota Academic Standards, which define what students should know and be able to do in a particular grade. Students earn a score that falls into one of four achievement levels: 1) does not meet the standards; 2) partially meets the standards; 3) meets the standards, and 4) exceeds the standards. Students who meet or exceed the standards are considered to be proficient in the subject area.

In reading, compared to 2011 results, the percentage of District 196 students who scored proficient in 2012 stayed the same for grades 3 and 4, decreased by 3 percent for grade 5, increased by 2 percent for grade 6, increased by 3 percent for grade 7, stayed the same for grade 8 and increased by three percent for grade 10. Statewide, the percentages proficient in reading stayed the same or increased for all grades tested except grade 5, which decreased by 1 percent.

In math, compared to 2011 results, the percentage of District 196 students who scored proficient in 2012 decreased by 3 percent for grade 3, decreased by 2 percent for grade 4, increased by 2 percent for grade 5, increased by 10 percent for grade 6, increased by 1 percent for grade 7, increased by 11 percent for grade 8 and decreased by 10 percent for grade 11. Statewide, the percentages proficient in math increased for all grades tested except grade 11, which decreased by 6 percent.

The following tables show the percentages of District 196 students who scored proficient on the reading and math MCAs in 2012 compared to the statewide averages. District 196 exceeded the statewide averages for each grade tested.