June 1, 2023 

Mathematics Alternate MCA Test Specifications Public Review – open until June 30

Following the 2022 revisions to the Minnesota K–12 Academic Mathematics Standards being finalized through the Rulemaking process, the Math Alternate Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (Alt MCA, formerly MTAS) will begin assessing these standards in the spring of 2028 for students with significant cognitive disabilities. In collaboration with a committee of Minnesota educators, MDE has drafted the test specifications for the Math Alternate MCA to assist with the development of the new assessments. In addition to test specifications, the document includes extended benchmarks, which are based on the new Minnesota math standards but reduced in depth, breadth, and complexity.

Members of the public are encouraged to review the proposed test specifications and provide feedback through the Math Alt MCA Test Specifications Feedback Survey on the SurveyMonkey website. The survey will be open until June 30, 2023.

Feedback from multiple perspectives, including math and special education teachers, is important in creating the best assessment possible for Minnesota students with significant cognitive disabilities. Please share this information with applicable district staff.

Access the Mathematics Alternate Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment Test Specifications document on the MDE website (MDE>Districts, Schools and Educators> Statewide Testing>Test Specifications)