2021 MCA test dates

Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment is an online assessment containing multiple choice and technology enhanced items.

Purpose

To measure student progress toward Minnesota's academic standards and meet the requirements of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
Source of Requirement: Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.30 and ESSA
 

Dates - Reading and Math

• State testing window: March 8 - May 7, 2021
• Elementary students
  • reading: April 14, in-person learners only; April 15 and 16, distance and in-person learners
  • math: April 20 and 22, distance and in-person learners
• Middle school students
  • reading: week of April 19, in-person learners; April 21, distance learners
  • math: week of April 19, in-person learners; April 21, distance learners
• High school students
  • reading: April 14, distance and in-person learners
  • math: April 21, distance and in-person learners
     

Additional Information

• Reading - grades 3-5: estimated assessment time is 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours
• Reading - grades 6-8: estimated assessment time is 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours
• Reading - grade 10: estimated assessment time is 2 to 3 hours
• Math - grades 3-5: estimated assessment time is 1 1/2 to 2 hours
• Math - grades 6-8: estimated assessment time is 2 to 2 1/2 hours
• Math - grade 11: estimated assessment time is 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours
   

Dates - Science

• State testing window: March 8 - May 14 2021
• Elementary students: April 27 and 29, distance and in-person learners
• Middle school students: week of April 19, in-person learners; April 28, distance learners
• High school students: April 28, distance and in-person learners
   

Additional Information

• Science, grade 5: estimated assessment time is 1 1/2 to 2 hours
• Science, grade 8: estimated assessment time is 1 1/2 to 2 hours
• Science, high school (generally grade 10): estimated assessment time is 2 to 2 1/2 hours
   

Results

• Results mailed to families, and available in an online portal in early September.