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An update from Academic Standards, Instruction and Assessment
June 24, 2026
Important Dates
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July 2: Access embargoed final student results in District and School Student Results (DSR/SSR) files in Secure Reports (excluding Reading MCA and Alt MCA)
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Quick Links
Final student-level assessment results for WIDA ACCESS, WIDA Alternate ACCESS, Science MCA and Alt MCA, and Math MCA and MTAS are scheduled to be available in the District and School Student Results (DSR and SSR) files on July 2. The DSR/SSR files contain the student-level data from each assessment, including demographic information, performance/achievement and proficiency level information, and various test scores and data as applicable.
These results will be embargoed until the public release of assessment results in late September. During the embargo, districts are encouraged to use these results for curriculum and instructional decision-making purposes, but results under embargo cannot be shared publicly (such as school board meetings) or on social media until the public release. Embargoed results can be used to prepare for questions from the media and local stakeholders.
DSR/SSR Updates for 2026
The 2025-26 school year included the first administrations of the new Reading MCA-IV and Alt MCA and WIDA ACCESS. As a result of new assessments, data for the 2026 DSR/SSR files are expected to be available over three separate release timeframes. For more details about all dates for this year’s results release, refer to the Important Dates for Results Release on the Policies and Procedures page of the Minnesota Assessment Hub.
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July: Data for Science MCA-IV/Alt MCA, Math MCA-III/MTAS, and WIDA Alternate ACCESS will be released on July 2. An initial WIDA ACCESS file will also be posted, with initial proficiency level results in alternate columns.
- Initial WIDA ACCESS proficiency levels should be used to inform English learner (EL) status reclassification and exit decisions. For more information, refer to the Using WIDA Assessment Results During the 2026 Transition to New Proficiency Levels document on the Minnesota WIDA page under the Manuals, Guides and Test Materials expandable heading.
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August: Data for Reading MCA-IV/Alt MCA will be released on August 18 due to standard setting for the new assessments.
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Late fall/winter: An updated WIDA ACCESS file will be released in November after standard setting takes place. This file will include both the initial proficiency levels from the July release and the updated proficiency levels.
- Updated WIDA ACCESS proficiency levels should only be used for future comparisons across years. EL status reclassification and exit decisions should not be revised using the updated proficiency levels.
Additional Resources
The following resources are or will be available by the DSR/SSR release date to support districts with using and understanding the results:
- Chapter 11 of the Procedures Manual provides guidelines for using the assessment data and abiding by the embargo.
- The Guidance for Reading MCA-IV and Alternate MCA Results Release and Guidance for Science MCA-IV and Alternate MCA Results Release documents can be found on the District Resources page under the Test Score Interpretation Resources expandable heading.
- The Using WIDA Assessment Results During the 2026 Transition to New Proficiency Levels document is available on the Minnesota WIDA page under the Manuals, Guides and Test Materials expandable heading. WIDA also provides interpretive guides for educators to learn more about scores found under “Resources” on the WIDA Resources.
- The 2025-26 District and School Student Results (DSR and SSR) User Guide will be posted on the Assessment Secure Reports page by the July 2 DSR/SSR release date. It provides information on the content and file format of the DSR and SSR files, as well as how to access them in Secure Reports.
- Sample assessment results data will be updated based on the release timeframes noted above and made available in the DSR/SSR Sample Data Excel file that will be posted on the Assessment Secure Reports page by the July 2 DSR/SSR release date.
- The Appropriate and Inappropriate Uses of MCA Results and the Appropriate and Inappropriate Uses of WIDA ACCESS Results resources are posted on the District Resources page under the Test Score Interpretation Resources expandable heading. They provide guidance for using statewide test results.
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In preparation for the 2026-27 test administration, Pearson will provide comprehensive training on its new testing platforms, LaunchPad and ADAM, for District Assessment Coordinators (DACs). Beginning in early October and continuing through test administration, trainings will be delivered through a combination of live sessions, pre-recorded trainings, and recurring office hours, allowing DACs to build knowledge over time and revisit content as needed. This phased approach ensures that participants receive information at the point it is needed, aligning learning with key testing milestones.
The training plan will begin with an introduction to the LaunchPad and ADAM platforms. Following the introduction, the training focus will shift to learning how to use the new platforms through biweekly office hours. The office hours will provide instruction on individual topics for each platform and time for questions. In addition, short, targeted pre-recorded trainings will be posted in the LMS.
As districts approach test administration, the Pearson DAC Test Administration Training will bring together all major components of the platforms in an end-to-end walkthrough. To support districts during the testing windows, DACs will have access to biweekly live support meetings to address real-time questions and concerns, provide updates and clarifications, and reinforce best practices.
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MDE Closed for July 4
In observance of Independence Day, MDE offices will be closed on Friday, July 3. Responses to emails and phone calls will be delayed to Monday, July 6. There will be no Assessment Update on July 1.
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DRC Annual Technology Updates for 2026-27 Now Available
On June 17, DRC emailed District Assessment Coordinators with important information about upcoming technology updates for the 2026-27 school year. The updates to the DRC INSIGHT Online Learning System will be released the evening of June 25 and will include changes to student accommodations, system requirements, the student online testing experience, and software version updates for DRC INSIGHT and COS Service Devices.
Technology coordinators should review the full update and plan for any required installations.
Supporting materials, including the Technology User Guide, are available in WIDA AMS under My Applications > General Information > Documents. For questions, contact DRC Customer Service at WIDA@datarecognitioncorp.com or 1-855-787-9615.
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Academic Standards, Instruction and Assessment
Minnesota Department of Education
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