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Sunday, November 9, 2025

Test expectations: How many students failed to meet the science MCA and MTAS expectations in Benton-Stearns Education District in 2023-24 school year?

Webp willie jett

Willie Jett Commissioner of Education Minnesota Department of Education | sahanjournal.com

Willie Jett Commissioner of Education Minnesota Department of Education | sahanjournal.com

Benton-Stearns Education District registered 70% of its students failing the science portion of the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) and the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) test in the 2023-24 school year, according to the Minnesota Department of Education.

The MCA and the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and also meet federal and state legislative requirements. The tests cover math, reading and science, depending on the grade that is being tested. Most students take the MCA, but students who receive special education services and meet eligibility requirements may take the MTAS instead.

Benton-Stearns Education District roughly covers schools within Stearns County and has a main office in Sartell.

Overall proficiency on Minnesota's MCA exams has declined compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to Minnesota's Report Card. Math proficiency, for example, dropped by more than 7% from 2019, while reading proficiency fell by almost 5%.

Failure Rates in Science During 2023-24 School Year

School NameFailure Rate (%)
Benton-Stearns Education District--
Benton-Stearns Education Program - Pioneers--
Benton-Stearns Education District - ASD Program--
Grafton School--

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