8th grade participation in mathematics MCAs ranks at Cloquet Area Alternative Education Programs in 2023-24 school year

Cloquet Area Alternative Education Programs reported that eighth graders had the highest participation rate in the mathematics portion of the 2023-24 MCA, according to the Minnesota Department of Education.

Of the 23 students who took that portion of the test in Cloquet Area Alternative Education Programs, three were enrolled in the eighth grade.

The number of eighth graders taking the mathematics MCAs fell from the previous school year, when five students were assessed.

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%.

Grade	# of Students Tested	Proficiency in mathematics
7th	3	--
8th	3	--
11th	17	5.9%

*Data for small student groups is suppressed by some schools to ensure privacy.