The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments are given statewide each spring in reading to students in grades 3-8 and 10, in math to students in grades 3-8 and 11, and in science to students in grades 5, 8 and high school (after completion of the life-science curriculum). Results of the reading and math MCAs (not science) are used for the Multiple Measurement Ratings accountability measure that replaced the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) system earlier this year as part of the state's waiver to the federal No Child Left Behind law.

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.

On the science MCAs in 2012:

• In grade 5, 60.8 percent of District 196 students scored at the meets or exceeds levels compared to 57.9 percent statewide.
• In grade 8, 46.3 percent of District 196 students scored at the meets or exceeds levels compared to 42.5 percent statewide.
• In high school, 67.5 percent of District 196 students scored at the meets or exceeds levels compared to 52.0 percent statewide.

In 2011, the percentages of District 196 students who scored proficient on the MCA science tests were 56.6 for grade 5, 46.4 for grade 8 and 64.7 for high school, but those results should not be compared to 2012 because it was a new test in 2012 based on updated standards.

School-by-school results on the MCA science tests for 2012 are available on the MDE website.