How many 5th graders from Ellsworth Elementary School take the science MCAs in 2023-24 school year?

Ellsworth Elementary School reported that fifth graders were the only students assessed in the science portion of the 2023-24 MCA, according to the Minnesota Department of Education.

The seven students who took that portion of the test in Ellsworth Elementary School were enrolled in the fifth grade.

The number of fifth graders taking the science MCAs fell from the previous school year, when 13 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%.