Jordan Schools uses multiple assessments to measure student success. The results of the tests and assessments students take are used in a variety of ways, including:

• Instructional Planning: Results are used by teachers to help plan instruction and monitor progress.
• Differentiation: Results are used by teachers to identify the need for differentiated instruction—how different students need to be taught in different ways.
• Placement: Results are used as one of the criteria for participation in programs and classes (for example, Advanced Math options).
• School Improvement: Results are used by schools and the district to evaluate programs and plan improvements.
• Accountability: Results are used by the district as an accountability measurement and/or to fulfill the requirements of state and federal legislation.
• College and Career Readiness: Results are used to indicate readiness for post-secondary success and inform course selection and career interests.

Jordan Schools is committed to each student to learn continuously, to eliminate achievement disparities, and to determine a process for assessing student learning. The assessments currently used by the district include:

• MCA and MTAS Testing: The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) and alternate assessment, Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS), are the statewide tests that help measure student progress toward Minnesota's academic standards and 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 criteria may take the MTAS. Additional information and resources are available at minnesota.pearsonaccessnext.com.  These assessments are given to students in Grades 3-11 and consist of the following content areas:  Reading for Grades 3-8 and 10 (approximately 2.5 - 3.5 hours), Mathematics for Grades 3-8 and 11 (approximately 1.5 - 2.5 hours) and Science for Grades 5, 8 and 10 (approximately 1.5 - 2.0 hours).
• ACCESS Testing: The ACCESS for ML students and Alternate ACCESS for MLs are the assessments developed by the WIDA consortium and administered to English learners in order to measure progress toward meeting Minnesota’s standards for English language development, developed by the WIDA consortium. Most English learners will take the ACCESS for MLs, but English learners who received special education services and meet the participation guidelines may take the Alternate ACCESS for MLs. Additional information is available at https://www.wida.us/.  This assessment is used for students in Grades K-12 and has four domains:  Listening (approximately 40 minutes), Reading (approximately 35 minutes), Speaking (approximately 35 minutes) and Writing (approximately 60 minutes).  The assessment for each domain is given on separate days.
• FastBridge Learning: FastBridge Learning is utilized in grades K-8 for universal screening measures and progress monitoring. The FastBridge system helps the district focus on a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework that promotes data-based decision-making across core, supplemental, and intensive instructional settings to impact learning growth. Universal Screening will be scheduled three times per year (fall, winter, spring) to show growth and intervention needs; Progress Monitoring will be continually used to support students needing additional help to succeed. 

In addition, Jordan Schools measure career and college readiness with assessments in grades 10, and 11.

• ACT PreACT: ACT’s PreACT is a required graduation assessment to provide information to grade 10 students, their parents, and educators about students’ achievement in Reading, English, Mathematics, and Science. A Composite Score (score range 1-32) summarizes performance across all four academic tests. In addition to the academic tests, students complete an interest inventory and needs assessment. For more information about the PLAN test, please visit the ACT Website at http://act.org/pre-act/.  This assessment is offered to students in Grade 10 and takes approximately 3 hours.
• ACT: ACT Plus Writing is a required graduation assessment to provide information to grade 11 students, their parents, and educators regarding the level of preparedness for post secondary success on a nationally recognized college entrance exam. a Composite Score (score range 1-36) summarizes performance across all four academic tests. In addition to the academic tests, students complete an interest inventory. For more information on the ACT test, please visit the ACT Website at http://act.org/.  This assessment is offered to students in Grade 11 and takes approximately 4 hours.
• ASVAB: ASVAB testing takes place in the fall of junior year. This is an aptitude test that allows students to identify their skills and strengths. It consists of eight tests that measure skills and abilities in the following areas: general science, arithmetic reasoning, world knowledge, paragraph comprehension, mathematics knowledge, electronics information, auto and shop information, and mechanical comprehension. The test also identifies interests through an interest inventory that highlights work-related interest areas where students are most likely to succeed. The results from the tests serve as the basis for informed career exploration. If students plan to join the armed forces, students will also receive a Military Entrance Score that is important for entry into the Armed Forces. 

2024-2025 Testing Calendar and Overview