Changes To The Basic Skills Tests
Changes were also made in the state's assessment system. The Basic Skills Tests (BST) are gradually being replaced by the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA-IIs). Starting with the class of 2010 (students entering grade eight in 2005-2006), students will be required to pass the MCA-II test instead of the BST. The MCA-IIs were developed to help schools and districts measure student progress in mastering the state's new reading, writing, and mathematics standards.
Students' performance on these statewide assessments can be used as one of multiple criteria to determine grade promotion or retention. To graduate, students will have to pass the MCA-II writing test given in grade nine (beginning in spring 2007), the MCA-II reading test given in grade ten (beginning in spring 2008), and the MCA-II math test given in grade 11 (beginning in spring 2009). All public schools and charter schools must administer the tests. Students must pass these required state exams, must successfully complete a required number of course credits, and must meet any local graduation requirements to graduate from a Minnesota public high school.
Read more about this topic: Minnesota Graduation Standards
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