MCA Scores Released — Our Commitment to Every Student, Every Day

As summer comes to a close and we prepare for the upcoming school year, the release of the 2024 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) test data by the Minnesota Department of Education allows us to pause and reflect on our collective achievements. Much like state-wide trends, our scores have held steady this year. This data also allows us to focus on our ongoing dedication to providing education, nurturing growth, and inspiring every student.

Understanding the Results in Context

This year's MCA scores provide important insights into our students' academic standing, helping us identify areas for growth. While these scores are important, it's essential to remember that it's just one aspect of student success. We recognize that educating the whole child is vital in our mission to support every student, every day.

"These foundational years are critical, and together, we get to ensure our students build a strong base for future learning,” emphasized Superintendent Nate Rudolph. “It's not just about test scores; it's about preparing our students for life."

Proactive Strategies for Student Growth

We view the MCA data as an opportunity to refine our strategies and make targeted improvements as a community. This year, we've intensified our focus on structured literacy, supported by the Minnesota Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act. This initiative aims to ensure every child reads at or above grade level, starting from kindergarten.

Our collective efforts also include robust support for multilingual learners and students receiving special education services, helping them achieve their individualized reading goals. We've proactively selected a literacy curriculum that aligns with state-approved guidelines, putting us ahead in implementation. We look forward to continued student growth.

Participation and Accountability

We believe that every student's participation in MCA testing is an important part of our shared journey toward academic excellence. By engaging fully in this process, we gain a clearer understanding of where our collective strengths lie and where we can grow together. This data is more than just numbers—it’s a key to unlocking the full potential of our students and shaping a brighter future for our entire community.

By working together to use the available MCA data, we can refine our strategies to ensure every student gets the support they need to thrive.

Ongoing Initiatives and Strategic Priorities

Our strategic planning team has set clear priorities, focusing on student success and strengthening family partnerships. By working together to ensure academic growth and improve the mental health and resilience of our students and staff, we are creating a supportive and thriving educational environment.

“Every student deserves the best possible start, and that's what we're dedicated to providing,” said Jason Bodey, our new Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning. “The MCA data is one of many tools that helps us identify where we need to focus our collective energy, but our daily commitment to each child drives real progress.”

Looking Forward with Hope

We're excited about the opportunities ahead of us. Our focus remains on continuous improvement and meeting evolving standards as a united community. We've strengthened our focus on creating meaningful partnerships and fostering positive relationships, ensuring that every student, especially in the early elementary grades, receives the support and encouragement they need to excel.

“We see our students' progress every day,” added Bodey. “It's about understanding what our students need, setting new goals, and achieving them together.”

We value the role of parents and the community in our students' success. With your continued partnership and support, we're confident that our students will continue to grow and thrive. Together, we'll continue to educate, empower, and inspire every student, every day.