MCA Test Scores Set New Baseline

STILLWATER, Minn. – Sept. 30, 2026 – New state assessments in reading and science are establishing a new baseline for measuring student achievement in Minnesota. Because the new MCA-IV assessments reflect updated academic standards and significantly different expectations for students, results cannot be directly compared with scores from previous versions of the tests. Stillwater Area Public Schools students continued to perform above statewide proficiency rates.

• In reading, 59% of Stillwater area students were proficient on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA)
• In math, 58% of Stillwater area students were proficient on the MCA
• In science, 34% of Stillwater area students were proficient on the MCA

The district’s reading proficiency reflects Stillwater's engagement with the new 2020 Minnesota Academic Standards in ELA, which were fully implemented in Minnesota school districts and charter schools during the 2025-26 school year. The new standards are reflected in the new Reading MCA-IV, which cannot be directly compared to previous years' MCA-III. Stillwater’s proficiency ratings remain above statewide testing results and set a promising baseline as the district continues its focused efforts on literacy.

The district's math proficiency has remained steady over the past few years after an increase from 2022 levels. New standards will be coming in the 2027-28 school year, along with a new assessment. Math teachers are currently piloting curricula for adoption that will support the implementation of the updated standards.

This is the second year of the new science standards and Science MCA-IV assessment. Like the new Reading MCA-IV, the Science MCA-IV is a significantly different assessment and cannot be directly compared to previous years' MCA-III. While Stillwater's proficiency levels are higher than statewide levels at every grade, significant work continues K-12 to ensure alignment to the MCA Performance Level Descriptors and to fully meet the rigor of the new benchmarks.

Sustaining Literacy and Science of Reading, Math Shifts

Literacy remains the district’s primary focus. This is the second year of implementing a new comprehensive K-5 literacy curriculum designed to better support students in building strong foundational reading skills. The first cohort of teachers across all grade levels have completed intensive training in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), and a second cohort, mainly of secondary teachers, is completing intensive training in OL&LA (Online Language & Literacy Academy). These nationally recognized, Minnesota Department of Education-approved professional learning programs equip 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.

Looking ahead to the new standards in mathematics, Stillwater is currently going through a curriculum vetting and adoption process. Teachers across the district are piloting new curricula, which will be evaluated by a committee before final approval. The new standards include significant shifts in mathematical practice, including a renewed focus on all three components of mathematical rigor: conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and real-world application. Teachers across grade levels are engaging in professional development throughout this year and into next year to further strengthen their understanding and instructional practice.

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.

More details about the 2026 MCA results will be shared in a report to the school board in October.

FOLLOW THE PONIES

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