Testing & Assessments

Hopkins Public Schools assessments include:

• FastBridge: District tests in reading and math used for program selection and measurement of proficiency and growth.

  • Grades K & 1, aReading and aMath: Computer adaptive broad measures of reading and math, approximately 30 minutes per subject.

  • Grades 2-6, FASTtrack Reading & FASTtrack Math: a bundle of 2 assessments per subject; a very specific measure of skills, approximately 5 minutes per subject and a computer adaptive broad measure (aReading and aMath), approximately 30 minutes each subject.

• PSAT/NMSQT: National norm-referenced assessment in reading, math, English, and science. Offer grade 11 students a chance to enter the competition for National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarship programs. Estimated time: 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• ACT with Writing: Results used for college entrance and planning. Estimated time: 3 hours and 35 minutes
• Advanced Placement (AP): A program in the United States and Canada created by the College Board which offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students. American colleges and universities may grant placement and course credit to students who obtain high scores on the examinations. AP tests are generally between two and three hours long, though most are closer to three hours. There is one break that separates the test into two sections.

Minnesota Department of Education required tests include:

• Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) and Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS)
  • State-mandated assessments in reading, math, and science that meet federal education requirements. Results measure student progress toward Minnesota's academic standards and help improve curriculum and instruction. 
  • Estimated time MCA: 1.5-3.5 hours per subject; estimated time MTAS: 30-90 minutes per subject.
  • Preliminary MCA results are posted to the Parent Portal weekly. Final paper student reports are sent home in early fall. In late August, summary results for the district and each school will be posted to the Minnesota Department of Education’s Minnesota Report Card website.
  • The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments-III (MCAII) in mathematics is administered to grades 3-8 and 11. The MCAII in reading is administered to grades 3-8 and 10.
  • The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments-III (MCAIII) in science is administered to grades 5 and 8, as well as high school biology classes.
    • MCAIII tests are state-mandated tests to fulfill the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
• ACCESS for English Language Learner (ELL) tests
  • ELL students take the state-mandated ACCESS for ELLs tests each spring to measure English proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Results are used to monitor student progress in English language proficiency. ACCESS proficiency scores are also used to determine when ELL students are ready to exit from English language services. This test meets federal education requirements.  
  • Estimated time: Kindergarten, 45 minutes; Grades 1-12, 30-60 minutes per modality. 
  • Preliminary ACCESS results are available to District staff in late May. Final student reports are sent home in early fall. In late August, summary results for the district and each school will be posted to the Minnesota Department of Education’s Minnesota Report Card website.
• FastBridge Reading & Math
  • District-purchased computer adaptive tests in reading and math used for program selection and measurement of proficiency and growth.
    • Grades K & 1 (Reading and Math):  computer adaptive broad measures of reading and math, approximately 30 minutes per subject.
    • Grades 2-6 (FASTtrack Reading & FASTtrack Math): a bundle of 2 assessments per subject, 1) a computer adaptive broad measure (aReading and aMath), approximately 30 minutes each subject; and 2) a very specific measure of skills, approximately 5 minutes per subject.
       

Resources

MCA FAQ (docx, 233 KB)

MCA Quick Guide (pdf, 1 MB)

MTAS Quick Guide (pdf, 1 MB)

Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing - Form (pdf, 208 KB)

Security Statement - MN Department of Education (pdf, 214 KB)

Minnesota Department of Education

Hopkins Testing Calendar for 2023-24

The Assessment department facilitates and supports the administration and analysis of tests given to our students that provide information on student achievement and growth on state and national measures.

The purpose of student assessment is:

• To provide evidence of student achievement and growth.
• To enhance student learning by informing and guiding instruction.
• To provide data for decision-making.
• To serve as accountability measures.

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