Pines School Testing Schedule
2022-23 Testing Schedule
ACT plus Writing (April 17)
The ACT is the leading US college admissions test, measuring what you learn in high school to determine your academic readiness for college. The ACT plus Writing is offered to all 11th grade students and 12th grade students that have not been offered the test previously. Four skill areas are covered in the test: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The writing portion of the test measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.
ACCESS for ELL and Alternate ACCESS for ELL
Listening: January 30 - March 24
Reading: January 30 - March 24
Speaking: January 30 - March 24
Writing: January 30 - March 24
ACCESS for ELL is a state required assessment used to measure English language proficiency based on Minnesota Standards for English Language Development and to meet the requirements of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
Students will be assessed in the areas of Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The length of each test is: Reading – up to 60 minutes, Writing – up to 90 minutes, Listening – up to 65 minutes, Speaking – up to 50 minutes.
Alternate ACCESS for ELL is an individually administered English language proficiency assessment developed specifically for English learners who have significant cognitive disabilities severe enough to prevent meaningful participation in the ACCESS assessment. Students will be assessed in the areas of Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The length of each test is: Reading – up to 20 minutes, Writing – up to 20 minutes, Listening – up to 20 minutes, Speaking – up to 20 minutes.
MCA Test
Reading, Math, Science (April 23-24)
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment test is the state determined test used in schools to measure student achievement in the areas of reading, math, and science. Students in the 10th grade will be administered the MCA Reading. Students in the 11th grade will be administered the MCA Math. Students currently enrolled in a Life Science course will be administered the MCA Science. State tests are given to students in a district once a year, based on their grade level and subject area. These tests help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and also meet federal and state legislative requirements.
MTAS (March 6 - May 5)
The Minnesota Test of Academic Skills is an alternate assessment for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. It is a performance-based assessment administered and scored by the test administrator using a script and a task-specific scoring rubric. The MTAS is used to measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and meet the requirements of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). MTAS Reading is given to students in grade 10. MTAS Math is given to students in grade 11. MTAS Science is given to students currently in a Life Science class. Test administration times will vary for each student, and the state does not provide estimated test administration times for the MTAS. Results will be mailed home in late August or early September.