Assessments and Testing

Technical Academies of Minnesota uses a variety of tools to measure and determine a student’s academic growth and proficiency by grade-level standards. These tools range from informal assessments observed during classroom activities to more formal or mandated assessments, such as the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA), NWEA MAP, college entrance exams, and more. Educators can use these assessments to identify the needs of the students and adjust instructional strategies to meet the needs of their students and encourage individualized academic growth.

The following list includes information on each major assessment Technical Academies of Minnesota schools, DREAM and CHOICE, the dates when they occur, the average time required to complete them, and the justification for their use.  For any questions regarding TAM’s use of assessments, please contact Hannah Nelson (hnelson@technicalacademies.org).

Hope Survey - Fall (week of Oct. 14th and Spring (week of May 5th): (Required for ALL students)

The Hope Survey is used to measure non-academic outcomes such as student self-efficacy, hope, and problem-solving.  All students in graders 7-12 take the Hope Survey in the fall and again in the spring. It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.  TAM uses this survey as a measure of success and encourages all students to participate. 

NWEA MAP Math and Reading - Fall (week of Oct. 7th) and Spring (week of April 14th): (Required for ALL students)

The NWEA MAP test is used to measure progress from fall to spring.  It is used by all students in grades 7 through 11. Students complete both a math and reading test, and each takes approximately 60 minutes.  The NWEA MAP scores are used as part of an authorizer academic goal, so TAM strongly encourages all students to participate.

ACT plus Writing Test - Spring (March 2025):

It is required for TAM schools to offer the ACT to all 11th and 12th grade students by the state of Minnesota.  The test has five sections (English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing) and takes 3 hours and 35 minutes.  TAM recommends this test for any student planning to go to college.

MCA Tests - Spring: (Required for all students in the applicable grade level)

• MCA Reading - 7th, 8th & 10th grade week of March 3rd, 2025
• MCA Math - 7th, 8th & 11th grade week of March 10th, 2025
• MCA Science - 8th through 12th grade - Week of March 17th, 2025

The MCA tests are required by the state of Minnesota.  

ACCESS - January 2025