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14.5% of Somerset Elementary School students failed the reading portion of the MCA in 2023-24 school year
These students did not meet the required standards of the reading portion of the MCA, while 13.1% only partially met the standards. Meanwhile, 42.1% met the standards and 30.3% exceeded them, totaling 72.4% who met or surpassed standards.
In the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA), the "Partially Meets the Standards" achievement level indicates that a student has demonstrated some understanding of the grade-level academic standards but has not fully met the expectations. This level reflects partial proficiency in the subject matter, suggesting that the student may require additional support to achieve full proficiency.
The total percentage of Somerset Elementary School students who failed the reading portion of the MCA fell by 2.5% from the previous school year.
Across the West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan School District, 29.2% of students did not meet the standards on the reading portion of the MCA, 19.2% only partially met the standards, 34.2% met the standards, and 17.4% exceeded them—totaling 51.6% who met or exceeded expectations.
The MCA and the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and also meet federal and state legislative requirements. The tests cover math, reading and science, depending on the grade that is being tested. Most students take the MCA, but students who receive special education services and meet eligibility requirements may take the MTAS instead.
Overall proficiency on Minnesota's MCA exams has declined compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to Minnesota's Report Card. Math proficiency, for example, dropped by more than 7% from 2019, while reading proficiency fell by almost 5%.
| School Name | Students Who Did Not Met Standards (%) | Students Who Only Partially Met Standards (%) | Students Who Met Standards (%) | Students Who Exceeded Standards (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somerset Elementary School | 14.5% | 13.1% | 42.1% | 30.3% |
| Mendota Elementary School | 20% | 21.9% | 41.3% | 16.8% |
| Friendly Hills Middle School | 25.2% | 17.4% | 36.8% | 20.5% |
| Heritage E-STEM Magnet School | 32.3% | 18.9% | 32.3% | 16.6% |
| Two Rivers High School | 28.2% | 24.7% | 32.9% | 14.2% |
| Garlough Environmental Magnet | 36% | 18.7% | 28.7% | 16.7% |
| Pilot Knob STEM Magnet School | 34.7% | 23.6% | 33.1% | 8.7% |
| Moreland Art/Health Science Magnet | 48% | 17.1% | 25% | 9.9% |