Several schools are back to or above pre-pandemic proficiency rates.

On Aug. 29, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) released statewide test results for the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) and ACCESS for English Language Learners (ELLs) for the 2023-24 school year. 

The MCA is a standardized test taken each spring by students across the state in grades 3-8 and 11 (for math); grades 3-8 and 10 (for reading); and grades 5, 8 and high school (for science). ACCESS is a standardized test taken each winter by students in grades K-12 who are learning English as a second language (ELL).

Overall, Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) students remain consistent in math and reading, with a small increase in science, when compared to 2022-23. In addition, several schools have met or exceeded their 2019 (pre-pandemic) proficiency rates by subject.

Districtwide Results

• Of the students taking the reading MCA/MTAS, 34% were proficient, the same as in 2022-23.

• Of the students taking the math MCA/MTAS, 26% were proficient, the same as in 2022.

• Of the students taking the science MCA/MTAS, 25% were proficient, an increase of two percentage points compared to 2022-23. 

• Of the students taking ACCESS for ELLs, 8% were proficient, the same as in 2022-23. 

Schools at or above 2019 proficiency rates by subject

“It is heartening to see that, thanks to the dedication of our educators and the students themselves, several schools are back to where they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, we must not be satisfied with these results until all students are proficient,” said SPPS Interim Superintendent John Thein. “The district’s new math curriculum, teacher training in the Science of Reading, and a steadfast commitment to achieving equitable outcomes for all students are essential building blocks for improving these results moving forward.”

Participation rates by SPPS students in the MCA/MTAS increased by 2-3% across all subjects compared to 2022-23, with 89% tested in math, 92% tested in reading and 87% tested in science.

A complete summary of SPPS MCA trends is available here.