Research and Assessment

Standardized Assessments are tests that are given outside of the curriculum and instruction process. They are typically purchased from a test vendor and provide normative comparisons at the national or state level. The timing of the administration of assessments is more closely related to the school year calendar and program decision-making timelines, than to the pacing of the curriculum and instruction in the classroom. They are used to measure student progress toward meeting grade-level standards, predict performance on state accountability tests, triangulate data for program decisions, screen students for remediation or enrichment, and identify relative strengths and weaknesses in district curriculum and instruction practices to inform professional development and curriculum resource decisions.

We administer several standardized assessments to monitor student academic achievement, academic growth and preparedness for college and career goals. They fall into three categories:

• State Accountability Tests: These tests are mandated by the state and are used to measure student attainment of Minnesota Grade Level Standards, school/district effectiveness and student readiness for MN State College and University courses.
• District Standardized Tests: These tests are purchased by the district and administered to inform educational programming and instructional decision-making.
• National College and Career Readiness Tests: These tests inform students, parents and staff on student progress toward national college and career readiness standards.

Student Participation in Statewide Assessments
Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.31, subdivision 4a, requires the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to publish a form for parents/guardians to complete if they refuse to have their student participate in state-required standardized assessments. It includes some basic information to help parents/guardians make informed decisions that benefit their child and their school and community. The form to meet this legislative requirement is available at the link below; it was updated in May 2018. When completed, it must be returned to your student's district; your student’s district may require additional information.

Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing Form