PHOENIX ACADEMY ASSESSMENTS
MCA TESTING
MCA/MTAS PURPOSE
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are state tests in reading, mathematics and science that meet the requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. Their purpose is to measure learning of the Minnesota academic standards. Reading and mathematics tests are administered in grades 3 – 8 and high school (students in grade 10 take the Reading MCA, and students in grade 11 take the Mathematics MCA). The Science MCA is administered to students in grades 5 and 8 and in the high school grade in which they take a life science or biology course.
The Testing Window for the Phoenix Academy of Art and Science is April 21 through May 9, 2025.
MCA/MTAS Schedule for the 2024-2025 School Year
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April 14, 2025 through April 17, 2025 will be testing grades 3-6 for Reading MCA
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Estimated time: 1.00 to 2.50 Hours
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April 22, 2025 through April 25, 2025 will be testing grades 3-6 for Math MCA
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Estimated time: 1.00 to 2.50 Hours
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April 28, 2025 through May 2, 2025 will be testing grade 5 for Science MCA
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Estimated time: 1.50 to 2.00 Hours
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April 28, 2025 through May 2, 2025 will conduct all Make Up sessions.
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Estimated time: Based on Individual Student
FASTBRIDGE TESTING
Phoenix Academy of Art and Science has adopted FastBridge as a local assessment tool for our students. FastBridge combines Computer Adaptive Tests (CAT) and Curriculum-Based Measures (CBM) to screen students, identify skill gaps, and offer proven recommendations for reading instruction and diagnostic reading interventions. Many states have approved FastBridge for early reading and/or dyslexia screening for these reasons.
FastBridge's valid and reliable assessments help educators identify students' academic and social-emotional behavior (SEB) needs faster, align the right interventions at the right time, and measure whether interventions are helping students catch up, all in one platform and in up to half the test time.
Phoenix Academy of Art and Science will assess students using FastBridge testing for Reading and Math four times per school year. ​
