4th grade participation in mathematics MCAs ranks 2nd at Shirley Hills Primary School in 2023-24 school year

Shirley Hills Primary School reported that fourth graders had the second highest participation rate in the mathematics portion of the 2023-24 MCA, according to the Minnesota Department of Education.

Of the 172 students who took that portion of the test in Shirley Hills Primary School, 84 were enrolled in the fourth grade.

The number of fourth graders taking the mathematics MCAs fell from the previous school year, when 87 students were assessed.

Overall, 79.8% of the students in the fourth grade were considered proficient in mathematics, according to the test standards.

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
3rd	88	89.8%
4th	84	79.8%

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