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An update from Academic Standards, Instruction and Assessment
Jan. 21, 2026
Important Dates
Jan. 23: Test WES deadline to make changes affecting initial MCA and MTAS/Alt MCA test materials shipment, confirm ISR delivery, and indicate test material delivery options
Jan. 26: WIDA assessment testing window opens
Quick Links
Before students begin testing, take a moment to review common issues and confirm technology readiness to ensure a smooth and secure administration.
Reviewing Common Irregularities
The 2025-26 WIDA Assessment Irregularities document available on the Minnesota page of the WIDA website (under the “Manuals, Guides and Test Materials” expandable header) outlines common misadministrations and follow-up actions that may be required from the district, MDE, and/or DRC. Consider reviewing these frequent errors with your Test Administrators:
- Test ticket accuracy: Confirm student identity and ensure each student logs in using the correct test ticket to prevent mismatches.
- Accommodations and test format: Verify that all required accommodations are entered in WIDA AMS and that students are assigned to the correct assessment (WIDA ACCESS or WIDA Alternate ACCESS) and mode (Online or Paper).
- Writing domain setup: Ensure students are assigned to the correct Writing session type and that scorable test booklets are provided when required.
- Speaking domain: Scratch paper is not permitted during the Speaking domain. Use of scratch paper may result in test invalidation.
- Student engagement: Remind students not to skip items and to engage fully with each task. Districts are responsible for ensuring students understand this expectation.
Preparing Technology and Materials
Before testing begins, confirm that:
- All devices meet WIDA/DRC technical requirements and are functional.
- Headsets and microphones are working properly and available for each student.
- Test Administrators have access to all required materials, including scripts and test tickets.
Need Help?
For help with WIDA AMS, technology, or ordering test materials, contact the DRC help desk at WIDA@datarecognitioncorp.com or 855-787-9615.
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When administering the Reading or Science Alt MCA, Test Administrators are expected to follow the script from beginning to end for all students. It is important that each student has an opportunity to attempt the assessment, even if the Test Administrator believes the student will not respond. Careful consideration should be given to using the most accessible presentation and response modes for the student.
The early stopping rule can be used for a very small percentage of students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who have no consistent, observable system of expressive communication to communicate responses to participate in assessments. For the Reading and Science Alt MCAs only, the early stopping rule can be applied so these students do not have to take the entire test. Use of the early stopping rule for the Alt MCA results in a complete test and a valid score.
Students who would be eligible to use the early stopping rule are those who:
- Use gestures (for example, waving, nodding, and shaking head), eye gaze, pointing, and/or vocalizations to communicate intentionally but do not yet use symbols or sign language.
- Communicate primarily through cries, facial expressions, change in muscle tone, etc., but does not yet use symbols or sign language.
If a student is unable to respond to an item, record a response of No Response (or NR). After indicating NR for the three items of the first task on the test, decide whether the student should continue testing after a break or on another day. Administer the next three items and if the student has NR indicated after the administration of the first six items, testing should be stopped.
If the early stopping rule is engaged after No Response is indicated for the first six items, Test Administrators still need to note responses to three survey questions at the end of the test without indicating responses for any additional items. After answering these three survey questions, then the test can be submitted. If using the Data Collection Form for a paper administration, a reminder is visible after the sixth item on the form.
The early stopping rule should not be applied based on a student’s behavior, frustration level, or knowledge of the content. The test administration can be paused as needed, and students can continue testing at a later time that same day or in the following days.
Note: The early stopping rule is only available for the Reading and Science Alt MCAs. The early stopping rule is not available for Mathematics MTAS, and the test must be completed to receive a valid score.
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If a student uses an amplification device, such as hearing aids (wired or wireless), no documentation or accommodation code needs to be indicated for the student to use the device during testing. If the device has Bluetooth capabilities, the Test Monitor must confirm that the audio is connected only to the testing device if testing online. Refer to page 86 of the Procedures Manual for more information about amplification devices.
The other assistive technology devices (AT-O) accommodation is intended to address forms of assistive technology (AT) used for testing. Note: This accommodation does not include the use of AT that interacts directly with an assistive technology online test form for the Reading and Science MCA and Alt MCA; those are separate accommodations indicated with AT-S or AT-N in Test WES.
The following are examples of other AT devices that are applicable in the AT-O accommodation:
- Use of a device in place of physical scratch paper.
- Use of a device calculator application.
- Use of an electronic notetaker for braille to store information with the use of a braille keyboard and/or standard keyboard.
- Use of an augmentative and alternate communication (AAC) device.
Refer to pages 111-112 of the Procedures Manual for additional information about the AT-O accommodation.
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Districts must follow the policies and procedures for statewide assessments as documented in each district’s written District Policies and Procedures for Statewide Assessments. This procedure must be finalized prior to the administration of statewide assessments.
Some of the most common security violations that were observed by MDE monitoring visits during statewide assessment administrations last spring included:
- Online assessment calendar does not reflect actual testing schedule.
- Test directions not followed exactly as scripted.
- Test content not covered if a student had to temporarily leave the room.
- Not enough space between students who are testing.
Some of the more common violations reported to MDE by districts as an Assessment Security Record included:
- Staff not completing all required training prior to being involved in testing.
- Failure to keep testing materials secure at all times.
- Impermissible assistance by a staff member.
- Student completing an assessment on a personal device and/or outside of a secure testing location.
All of these common security violations are preventable by developing policies and procedures for maintaining test security and training district and school staff involved in test administration. Refer to Required District Policies and Procedures for Statewide Assessments beginning on page 142 of the Procedures Manual and the District Policies and Procedures for Statewide Assessments Template posted on the Policies and Procedures page of the Minnesota Assessment Hub.
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When emailing MDE with a question about a specific student’s test or situation, only use their MARSS/SSID number. For student privacy, do not send student Personally Identifiable Information such as names or dates of birth in the email, including in screenshots or attachments.
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PearsonAccess Next for New DACs Training
Pearson will provide the PearsonAccess Next for New DACs Training for new District Assessment Coordinators (DACs) on Thursday, Feb. 5 from 1-3 p.m. This virtual training provides a comprehensive overview of PearsonAccess Next for the MCA and MTAS/Alt MCA spring 2026 test administrations. It will cover specific tasks to be done in PearsonAccess Next before and during test administration, as well as functions of the system, including how to view student testing information.
Register for the PearsonAccess Next for New DACs Training. Note: Please register with a district email. MDE will review and approve all registrations prior to the training. Participants need to register at least 24 hours before the training to be approved. Once approved, participants will receive an email with a link to join the meeting. If you registered for the training but did not receive an email with the meeting link, check your spam or junk email folders. If you did not receive a meeting link, contact Pearson customer support. A meeting ID and passcode will also be provided if joining directly from Zoom.
A recorded version of the training will be posted to the Learning Management System (LMS) on Friday, Feb. 20 (DAC catalog > Pearson Trainings tag).
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Academic Standards, Instruction and Assessment
Minnesota Department of Education
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