Teacher of the year: MCA test scores are not always reflective of student‘s knowledge

Minnesota Now

The Minnesota Department of Education released test scores Monday morning for K-12 students across the state. The data shows scores have still not rebounded from a slump that began during the pandemic. About half of Minnesota public school students are proficient in reading and about 45 percent are proficient in math — numbers that have not changed since last year. These standardized tests are known as the MCA’s or Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments. Third through eighth graders typically take them every year. And high school students take one reading and one math test during their 10th or eleventh grade years.

Joining MPR News guest host Nina Moini for perspective from the classroom is Washburn High School english teacher and 2024 teacher of the year Tracy Byrd.