District and State Assessments
NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)
AFA administers the MAP Reading and MAP Math tests to students in grades 9-12 in the Fall, Winter, and Spring of each school year. MAP tests are untimed, but usually take 60-90 minutes per subject area. Students and staff receive immediate results upon completion of the test. The MAP is a nationally normed assessment that provides feedback to students, parents, and teachers regarding the student’s academic growth over time. The MAP is also one of the academic accountability measures used by AFA’s Authorizer, The Minnesota Guild of Public Charter Schools. Click here to read or download the Parent Guide to MAP.
NWEA MAP Testing Schedule
NWEA MAP Reading and Math testing will take place according to the following schedule:
- Fall NWEA MAP Testing: October 2023
- Winter NWEA MAP Testing: February 2024
- Spring NWEA MAP Testing: May 2024
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments: Reading, Math, and Science Testing
Students in grade 10 will take the Reading MCA. Students in grade 11 will take the Math MCA. Students currently enrolled in a Biology course will take the Science MCA. MCAs measure whether students have met, partially met, or exceeded Minnesota’s academic standards. MCA testing occurs in the spring and is required for all public schools in Minnesota. Official results will be available the following fall. Click here to read or download the MCA Parent Fact Sheet.
MCA: Reading, Math, and Science Testing Schedule
- MCA: Reading for students in grade 10 will take place on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 9:00am.
- MCA: Math for students in grade 11 will take place on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 9:00am.
- MCA: Science for students who completed Biology will take place the week of April 29 – May 3, 2024.
ACCESS for English Learners
State and federal laws require that all identified ELD students are assessed annually to measure their English language proficiency and progress in learning English in the four domains of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The ACCESS test is administered annually in February-March to assess English language proficiency and to monitor ELD students’ progress toward meeting Minnesota’s standards for English language development. Official results are available the following fall. The estimated test times for each domain are Listening: 40 minutes, Reading: 35 minutes, Speaking: 30 minutes, and Writing: 65 minutes. Click here to read or download the MDE ACCESS Parent Fact Sheet
Participation in Assessments
AFA is committed to the ongoing assessment of student performance on district, state, and national measures to provide parents the information they need to make informed decisions about their children’s education and to provide staff with the data they require to make informed instructional decisions.
Under federal law, parents and guardians can opt their child out of standardized testing. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has published a Parent/Guardian Guide to Statewide Testing which provides information to help make informed decisions about Minnesota State Assessments. If a parent or guardian wishes to speak with a school representative about their child’s participation in standardized testing, they may contact the District Assessment Coordinator.
If a parent or guardian wishes to opt their child out of standardized testing, this form must be completed and submitted to the District Assessment Coordinator by January 15, 2024.
Heidi E. Anderson
Executive Director
612-245-1844
heidi.anderson@afa.tc