Every year the Minnesota Department of Education publishes the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) test scores. With above average performance on AP tests (see AP scores article, page 1) and ACT tests, many were surprised to find out that Orono students had a lower performance on the MCAs.

Orono High School principal, David Benson stated, “I think lots of factors are involved, Orono has decent scores on the Reading test, and our Writing test scores are amazing, in the upper 90 percent.” The Math and Science tests are where concern lies.
“These tests are not as high-stakes as the reading and writing, which may be resulting in a lack of student motivation,” Benson said. Other factors that may contribute to a lack of motivation are that students take these tests early in the morning.

“I think we could start the test a bit later in the day to give everyone more time to mentally prepare,” Benson said.

The science tests have also run into problems, due to technology coordination, and that the tests are given in late to mid May, a time of year in which students are less focused on schoolwork and more focused on the upcoming summer.

Aaron Ruhland, Director of Learning and Accountability for the Orono School District, stated that “As we look at what data points are getting better and worse, I wouldn’t necessarily put high school MCA scores in the ‘worse’ category.”

Sometimes certain classes have more trouble with one subject than another and that can sway the test scores dramatically.

“The math test is more rigorous with only 60 percent proficiency. However, even the best schools in the state are only getting 70 percent.”

OHS guidance counselor Shana Borgen commented, “I do know that there are schools out there that are more prescriptive with what students need to do and they may be more directive.”

District teachers and administrators are looking at ways to intervene with students to target specific needs, to incorporate technology more effectively and to offer more opportunities at earlier levels.

“It is possible that we are teaching our students more towards the AP/ACT content rather than MCA content,” Borgen said.

Area schools like Delano and Mound-Westonka, whose MCA scores are higher than Orono’s, use this accomplishment to boost their own credibility.

“If schools can say they’re better than Orono, that’s a feather in their cap,” stated Benson.

Ruhland commented, “kids have to recognize that the reputation of the school is at stake and these scores are published. Teachers care about the student’s success and try every year to make things better for them, so let’s light that competitive fire and work on improving those scores.”

Andrea Conover is the Copy Chief for The Spartan Speaks.