How Did Your Child's School Perform on State Tests?

As a district, Shakopee Public Schools saw a slight increase in math and science test scores following changes to how students took the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA).

Students in third through eighth grade and 11th grade took the math test in the spring. While students took the math test twice in 2012 and kept their best results, they were only allowed to take the test once in 2013.

Math proficiency ranged from 52.8 percent for 11th graders to 79.9 percent for third graders. While most grades saw slight declines in proficiency from 2012 to 2013, 6th grade scores increased almost 10 percentage points. Grades 8 and 11 also saw increased math scores with a 6.3 percentage point increase for 11th grade.

Statewide, there was a slight decline in math scores.

“We can be proud of the fact that Minnesota is a pioneer in setting high expectations for students, and in using online testing that give more timely information to teachers and parents,” a news release quoted Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius on Tuesday. “It’s important to look at today’s tests results for what they are: a snapshot in time that tells us how students are doing in mastering our state standards. What is needed now is to focus our efforts and stop moving the goal posts so teachers and students have a consistent target to hit.”

• Use the search tools above to compare how individual schools across the state did.

Scores from the reading test, which were administered to third through eighth grade and 10th grade, aren’t comparable because 2013 was the first time students took the new test. That test has more difficult reading passages and more challenging questions, along with higher expectations for what qualifies as “proficiency.”

That led to proficiency rates ranging from 59.7 percent for third graders to 63.1 percent for 10th graders. Most grade levels scored above the state average, except 8th grade, which was just under the state average.

“Anytime a new test based on new standards is given, a drop in scores is to be expected,” said Cassellius. “But setting high expectations is the right thing to do. If we want our students to compete in a global economy, we must continue to stretch and hold ourselves accountable for helping students meet higher standards.”

The science test is in its second year. As a district, Shakopee scores improved overall with a gain of almost nine percentage points for 5th graders. High school and 8th grade scores did have small declines from 2012 to 2013.

With test results in, the next step is for the Department of Education to release adequately yearly progress results and ratings on proficiency, student growth, closing the achievement gap and graduation rates. That should happen Oct. 1.