Purpose

• The bill would require the state to include a nationally recognized college entrance exam for high school students as part of the annual testing plan, alongside the existing Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) for younger students. It aims to reorganize when and how tests are given, with the testing program overseen by the state education commissioner.

Main Provisions

• The commissioner must determine the testing process and the order in which tests are given.
• Each school year, there must be a testing period that is as late as possible in the year. During this period:
  • Students in grades 3 through 8 must take the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA).
  • High school students, typically in grades 11 or 12, must take a nationally recognized college entrance exam (such as the SAT or ACT).
• The commissioner must publish the testing schedule at least two years before the testing period begins.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amendments to multiple Minnesota Statutes (including sections 120B.30, 120B.302, 120B.303, 120B.305, and 136F.302) to implement the new testing approach.
• Repeal of Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 120B.302 subdivision 2, as part of aligning the statutes with the new testing framework.

Implementation Details

• The testing program and schedule are to be determined and published by the commissioner, shifting some control over when tests occur to the state education authorities.
• The MCA testing for elementary and middle grades remains required, but the introduction of a high school college entrance exam adds a national assessment to the high school testing timeline.

Potential Impacts

• Schools would coordinate administration of both state-mandated tests (MCA) and a national college entrance exam within a single, late-year testing window.
• Students in high school would be exposed to a widely used college admissions assessment as part of state testing planning.
• Scheduling transparency is increased by requiring published timelines two years in advance.

Relevant Terms - Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) - testing period - testing process - testing schedule - nationally recognized college entrance exam (e.g., SAT, ACT) - high school (grades 11-12) - elementary and middle grades (grades 3-8) - commissioner (state education official) - Minnesota Statutes sections: 120B.30, 120B.302, 120B.303, 120B.305, 136F.302 - repeal of 120B.302 subdivision 2