Description of MCAs/MTAS
Standards-Based Accountability Assessments
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) and
alternate assessment Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) are the
state tests that help districts measure student progress toward
Minnesota’s academic standards and also meet the requirements of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Students take one test in
each subject. Most students take the MCA, but students who receive
special education services and meet eligibility requirements may take
the alternate assessment MTAS instead.