4th graders had 2nd highest participation rate in reading MCAs at Minnesota New Country Elementary School in 2023-24 school year

Minnesota New Country Elementary School reported that fourth graders had the second highest participation rate in the reading portion of the 2023-24 MCA, according to the Minnesota Department of Education.

Of the 54 students who took that portion of the test in Minnesota New Country Elementary School, 16 were enrolled in the fourth grade.

The number of fourth graders taking the reading MCAs rose from the previous school year, when five students were assessed.

Overall, 31.3% of the students in the fourth grade were considered proficient in reading, 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 reading
3rd	12	41.7%
4th	16	31.3%
5th	8	--
6th	18	11.1%

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