For years, District 834 has held MCA scores above state averages. However, with the threat of educational cuts brought on by the levy looming over the horizon, people are becoming worried that Stillwater’s above-average scores could begin to decline. Despite worries, however, scores this year have grown higher than ever before.

MCAs are a blanket term given to various standardized tests administered to students in grades 3-11. According to the Minnesota Department of Education’s website on testing information, “Testing is used in schools to measure student achievement. State tests are given to students in a district once a year, based on their grade level and subject area.”

For tests used to gauge teacher effectiveness, student progress and graduation readiness, one would hope they could accurately reflect the state of education in the district. However, due to their lack of difficulty, this may not be the case.

“One thing I have noticed throughout my academic career is how easy the MCA tests are,” said senior Matt Ludack. “MCA testing days are considered free days by most students.”

It appears that this last year the Department of Education decided to act upon these complaints, and completely revised the MCA for reading. The first year this new test format was administered was 2012, and the scores reflect this.

“The test had been pretty similar for several years, but suddenly the test was revised and made harder,” said Principal Don Johnson. “The dip in reading scores this last year really reflect these changes. However, you’ll notice that this dip is present in almost every Minnesota school.”

Although the reading scores went down, the situation was better for math, which saw large increases in proficiency and test scores.

“Last year, the math department changed how they handled their curriculum to focus more on summative assessments and making sure students

are proficient before moving on,” said Johnson. “Although it may seem basic, we have seen large increases in MCA scores resulting from this new style of teaching.”

Following the success of this new style of teaching, more departments have been looking to change their styles to ones closer resembling the styles of teaching the math department uses.

The Stillwater Gazette reports that at a recent meeting of the school board, plans were laid out that, among other things, called for “increased test scores and improved teacher evaluation…”

All things considered, it is inarguable that Stillwater is still going above and beyond state expectations. Despite the upcoming funding worries, Stillwater continues to maintain more than 16 percent student proficiency over the state average, something which it will hopefully continue for years to come.