To meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, Minnesota provides an alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards. The Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) was developed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. MDE is developing a second alternate assessment, the MCA-Modified, which is based on modified achievement standards.

 

Additional Information about the MTAS is available to answer parents most frequently asked questions.

 

The National Center on Educational Outcomes has developed additional information that can help parents understand statewide assessments and how the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) work together to improve the academic achievement of students with disabilities.