MCA Test Scores Continuing To Rise

STILLWATER, Minn. – Sept. 10, 2025 – Academic achievement is climbing in Stillwater Area Public Schools. After a year of focused effort on literacy and learning, students in the district continue to make gains on Minnesota’s statewide assessments in reading and math.

• In reading, 61% of Stillwater area students were proficient on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA)
• In math, 58% of Stillwater area students were proficient on the MCA
• MCA science scores will be released in October. 

The district’s reading proficiency continues the steady growth made last year and now exceeds 2022 levels, as does math proficiency. Stillwater’s proficiency ratings continue to remain above statewide testing results. However the district has not returned to its pre-pandemic levels in the mid- to high-60s.
 

 “Our students and teachers are making great progress, and these results are evidence of their hard work,” said Superintendent Mike Funk. “We know literacy is the foundation of all learning, and we are proud to see steady gains as we invest in research-based practices and high-quality training for our teachers. While there is more work ahead, we are confident that our continued focus on literacy will help every student succeed.”

Focus on Literacy and Science of Reading
Literacy remains the district’s primary focus. This fall, Stillwater introduced a new comprehensive K-5 literacy curriculum designed to better support students in building strong foundational reading skills. In addition, teachers across all grade levels are receiving intensive training in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling). This nationally recognized professional learning program equips educators with the latest science of reading strategies, ensuring the district is aligned with evidence-based best practices. While the work is still underway, the district is already beginning to see promising signs of growth in student confidence and achievement as new instructional practices take hold.

By combining high-quality curriculum materials with evidence-based instruction, the district is working to accelerate student learning and close achievement gaps in reading.

MCA tests measure students’ progress toward state academic standards as required by federal guidelines. More information about the assessments and who takes them is available on the district’s website here.

More details about the 2025 MCA results will be shared in a report to the school board in September.

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For more information on Stillwater Area Public Schools, follow the district on Facebook and Instagram @stillwater834.