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An update from the Division of Academic Standards, Instruction and Assessment
Vol. 4, No. 11: Aug. 3, 2026
New Resource: Classroom Walkthrough Tool for Minnesota English Language Arts Programs
The Classroom Walkthrough Tool for Minnesota English Language Arts Programs is a new resource supporting the implementation of three elements of K-12 English Language Arts (ELA) instruction in Minnesota: the 2020 Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in ELA, structured literacy (the primary instructional focus of the Minnesota READ Act), and culturally relevant pedagogy (based on the framework of Gloria Ladson-Billings).
A walkthrough differs from a formal observation: walkthroughs are informal and brief (10-15 minutes), enabling participants to form meaningful insights through frequent classroom visits across the school year. They support reflection, not evaluation of instructional effectiveness. The tool also focuses on what is observed rather than what is absent, and it is normal and expected to see only some of the indicators during any single walkthrough. The tool is designed to be flexible and adaptive to local needs.
The tool is available on the MDE English Language Arts Standards Implementation webpage. It was developed through collaboration between the Division of Academic Standards, Instruction and Assessment, the Literacy Unit, and the COMPASS Regional Literacy Network.
Questions can be directed to ELA Specialist Kristin Bauck at kristin.bauck@state.mn.us or READ Act Curriculum Specialist Chris Bretz at christopher.bretz@state.mn.us.
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Inside Standard Setting: Recommended Cut Scores for Reading MCA-IV and Alt MCA
In June, educators and community and educational partners from across Minnesota convened to participate in standard setting for the Reading MCA-IV and Alternate MCA (Alt MCA). Standard setting takes place after a new assessment is administered for the first time. Its purpose is to recommend the cut scores that define the four performance levels used to report student results.
Standard setting committees were made up of educators who applied to participate and were selected based on their content knowledge and classroom experience. Committees included educators from multiple grade bands and were intentionally balanced to reflect Minnesota's student population as closely as possible.
Each committee followed a research-based process to recommend three cut scores. These cut scores divide student performance into four levels used for reporting: Beginning, Intermediate, Meets, and Advanced. Each cut score marks the minimum knowledge and skills a student needs to demonstrate to reach the next level. Throughout the meetings, facilitators directed educators to ground their judgments in the content and rigor of the academic standards and the performance level descriptors, which describe what students at each level know and can do, rather than in general impressions of student ability.
 On the final day of standard setting, educators shared their cut score recommendations with a group of community and educational partners representing diverse perspectives on behalf of all Minnesota learners. Through guided discussion, these partners built a clear understanding of how educators arrived at their recommendations, and provided guidance on communicating the process and results with families and communities. From there, the recommended cut scores were brought to Minnesota’s commissioner of education for final review and approval. Now that the cut scores have been approved, they will stay in place for each assessment until the academic standards are revised again and a new assessment is developed.
MDE is grateful to the educators across Minnesota who committed their time, expertise, and thoughtful judgment to this work. Their dedication helps ensure MCA results are meaningful and fair for all students. The next standard setting will take place in summer 2028, after the first administration of Math MCA-IV and Alt MCA, and MDE will again invite Minnesota educators to participate. Until then, visit the Join an MCA/Alternate MCA Review Committee page on the MDE website to learn about and register for future opportunities.
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Curriculum Leaders Virtual Meetings 2026-27
What: MDE will host three Curriculum Leaders Virtual Meetings in 2026-27. A half-hour READ Act Bonus Session will be offered along with each session (see times below).
Curriculum Leaders Virtual Meetings are intended to provide Curriculum Directors and other curriculum leaders with resources and professional development updates, implementation guidance, information around educational trends or topics, technical assistance regarding feedback from survey responses, and an opportunity to learn about other MDE divisions and supports. Note: Registration will close 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Details for joining will be provided when registrations are approved.
Who: New and experienced curriculum leaders are encouraged to attend either session as the same information will be provided at each. The virtual sessions are not recorded and CEUs will not be provided as these sessions are intended to be an additional support rather than training.
When:
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Emerging Leaders in Gifted Education
What: MDE, in partnership with the Minnesota Council for Gifted and Talented and the Minnesota Educators of the Gifted and Talented, will offer Emerging Leaders in Gifted Education (formerly GT Boot Camp), a virtual training series for coordinators and specialists in their first three years of service. Each session provides practical tools and support for serving advanced learners.
How: Register for the Zoom sessions at any time. If you need assistance, please contact Gifted Education Specialist Wendy Behrens at wendy.behrens@state.mn.us.
When: Series dates and Zoom links are as follows:
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Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted and Talented Learners
What: This four‑part professional learning series, sponsored by MDE and the Minnesota Council for Gifted and Talented, offers educators, school leaders, psychologists, and counselors practical strategies and research-based insights on key topics affecting gifted students today: anxiety, productive struggle, co‑regulation, and the intersectional identities of twice‑exceptional learners.
How: The fee for the series is $100. All sessions will be recorded and available following the presentation. CEUs will be provided.
When: Sessions will be held from noon-2 p.m. on Oct. 21, Dec. 16, Feb. 17, and April 21.
Register for the series.
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Arts Leaders Meetings
What: MDE hosts several meetings for curriculum leaders focused on implementing the arts standards-aligned curriculum and instruction each school year.
Who: Anyone with a leadership role connected to K-12 Visual and Performing Arts curriculum and instruction is welcome to attend, including district leaders, school leaders, and teacher leaders.
Where: Via Zoom.
When: See dates and topics below. All meetings require registration a minimum of 24 hours in advance.
How: Register for meetings via the links below. Check the MDE Arts webpage for updates and announcements. Contact MDE Arts Specialist Alina Campana at alina.campana@state.mn.us with questions and to be added to the Arts Leaders contact list.
Introduction to Arts Standards and Requirements, Sept. 23, 9-10 a.m.
Introduction to Essential Understandings About Native Arts in Minnesota, Oct. 7, 9-10:30 a.m.
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Arts Monthly Office Hours
What: Arts Education Office Hours are an informal opportunity to drop in and ask any question related to state arts standards and arts education requirements.
Who: Leaders and educators.
Where: Via Zoom.
When: Third Tuesday of each month, 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the 2026-27 school year. Find specific dates and Zoom registration on the MDE Arts webpage. All meetings require registration a minimum of 24 hours in advance.
Register for the Sept. 15 Arts Office Hours
Register for the Oct. 20 Arts Office Hours
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English Language Arts Leaders Network Meetings
What: The Minnesota ELA Leaders Network, a partnership of MDE and the Minnesota Council of Teachers of English (MCTE), will host bi-monthly virtual meetings during the 2026-27 school year. These virtual meetings support implementation of the Minnesota ELA Standards and the Reading MCA.
Who: Anyone with a leadership role connected to K-12 ELA is welcome to attend, including district leaders, school leaders, and educator leaders.
How: Register for meetings via the links below, also posted in the 2026-27 ELA Leaders Network flyer available on the MDE ELA webpage. Leaders can join the ELA Leaders Network contact list to receive updates, reminders, and additional professional learning opportunities related to ELA standards. All meetings require registration a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Contact MDE ELA Specialist Kristin Bauck at kristin.bauck@state.mn.us.
Register for the ELA Standards Sustainability and the Classroom Walkthrough Tool for Minnesota ELA Programs, Sept. 10, 8-9:30 a.m.
Register for Processing and Reflecting on Reading MCA-IV Results, Nov. 12, 8-9:30 a.m.
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ELA Monthly Office Hours
What: Leaders and educators can join MDE’s ELA standards and reading assessment team for monthly virtual office hours, an informal virtual opportunity to drop in and ask any question related to ELA standards, implementation, and the Reading MCA.
When: First Thursday of each month from 3-4 p.m. in the 2026-27 school year (October to May).
How: Find specific dates and Zoom registration on the MDE ELA webpage. All meetings require registration a minimum of 24 hours in advance.
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Division of Academic Standards, Instruction and Assessment
Minnesota Department of Education
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