TESTING INFORMATION

● 2010-11 MCA Testing Calendar

● 2010-11 BST Testing Calendar

● GRAD Mathematics and Reading Online Re-testing Calendar
The GRAD retest window starts on the first Tuesday of every month and ends on the second Wednesday (eight days later), although each school district sets
its own retest schedule. In order to have time for remedial instruction, students are eligible to take the retests every other month.
Please read this important document regarding testing, remediation, and graduation requirements: MCA- GRAD Remediation and Math Information
GRAD testing dates are listed below, please watch your mail and email for test notices.
    November 3 & 5, 2009
    January 12 & 14, 2010
    March 2 & 4, 2010
    May 4 & 6, 2010
    July 6 & 13, 2010

>TESTING DETAILS<

2009-2010 new Graduation Test Requirements-

MCA II

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota's academic standards and meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind. The reading and mathematics tests are used to determine whether schools and districts have made adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward all students being proficient in 2014. Science is required for No Child Left Behind but is not included in AYP calculations at this time.

Reading and mathematics tests are given in grades 3-8, 10 and 11. Science tests are given in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school, depending on when students complete their life sciences curriculum.
MCA specifics from the MN Department of Education: http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Accountability_Programs/Assessment_and_Testing/Assessments/MCA/index.html

MCA- GRAD Remediation and Math Information

GRAD
Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (GRAD) are the state tests that fulfill Minnesota’s high school graduation requirement for students who first entered grade 8 in 2005-06 or later. These tests measure student performance on essential skills in Writing, Reading and Mathematics for success in the 21st century. If a student does not satisfy the graduation requirement for an assessment during the first administration, there will be retest opportunities available.
GRAD specifics from the MN Department of Education: http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Accountability_Programs/Assessment_and_Testing/Assessments/GRAD/index.html

BST
The Basic Skills Tests (BSTs) are tests of reading, mathematics, and writing that students who entered grade 8 in 2004-05 or earlier must pass to receive a diploma from a public high school. These reading and mathematics tests were first administered to these students when they were eighth graders and the writing test when they were tenth graders. Starting in 2009-2010, there will be two retests for the reading and mathematics and three for the writing BST.

BST specifics from the MN Department of Education: http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Accountability_Programs/Assessment_and_Testing/Assessments/BST/index.html

>CAREER AND COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS<

ACT
The ACT is a test published and administered by the American College Testing Service. It measures a student’s aptitude in English, math, reading and scientific reasoning. The ACT also has an optional writing portion which is required by some colleges. We recommend the ACT along with the writing. We recommend students who plan to enroll in a four-year college take the ACT at the end of their junior year. The April or June testing date is recommended. The ACT is an assessment that is used by the colleges in the Midwest as part of their entrance requirements. Registration materials can be picked up at campus or online at: www.actstudent.org. Wolf Creek School Code is: 241-342

ACCUPLACER
The Accuplacer was developed by the College Board to provide information regarding the skill level of a student in the areas of reading, writing, English and math. Most community and two-year colleges use this assessment as a placement tool to assist selecting the most appropriate classes; contact the college of your choice for more information.

PLAN
The PLAN is a test for sophomores. The PLAN is designed to help students prepare for the ACT. The PLAN can also assess student’s academic standing, help investigate a full range of career options, and assist in refining a student’s high school coursework plan. As a "pre-ACT" test, PLAN is a powerful predictor of success on the ACT.
PLAN can help all students—those who are college-bound as well as those who are likely to enter the workforce directly after high school. As a "pre-ACT" test, PLAN is a powerful predictor of success on the ACT. At the same time, many schools recognize the importance of PLAN testing for all students, as it focuses attention on both career preparation and improving academic achievement. Specifics testing dates will be noted when available.
Learn more about the PLAN by visiting http://www.actstudent.org/plan/index.html

PSAT
The PSAT is an optional pre-test for 10th and 11th graders, administered in October and is a predictor of future success on the SAT. It’s given to juniors as the initial step to enter the scholarship competitions conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The test measures developed verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities that are important for successful academic performance in college. It assesses the ability to reason with facts and concepts rather than the ability to recall and recite information. See this link for details: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html

SAT I
The SAT I is a test published and administered by the College Board. It measures critical reading, math & writing abilities. We recommend that students check with their post-secondary institution to see if it is required. The test is usually used as an entrance requirement for post-secondary institutions not in the Midwest. Registration materials can be picked up in the guidance office or online at www.collegeboard.com