Assessment & Evaluation

Pine City School District administers several standardized assessments to monitor academic achievement, growth, and preparedness for college and career goals. We are committed to improving student achievement by gathering and analyzing program, demographic, and performance data relating to state- and district-wide testing measures.

Some assessments are state-mandated which measure student attainment of Minnesota Grade Level Standards, school/district effectiveness, and student attainment of state graduation requirements. Other standardized tests given in the district are nationally and locally available.

Purpose of Student Assessment is to:

  • Provide evidence of student achievement and growth;

  • Enhance student learning by informing and guiding instruction;

  • Provide data for decision-making;

  • Serve as accountability measures.

Assessment Team & Testing Taskforce

District Assessment Coordinator: Stephanie Lorsung l Email Stephanie Lorsung

Site Assessment Coordinators:

  • Elementary: Jared Polzine

  • Secondary: Laura Yehlik

  • ALC: Ashley Espeseth

  • Vision: Jocelyn Rydberg

Technology Support: Matt Baker

Testing Taskforce:

Purpose: Establish collective ownership to ensure successful testing for all, specifically ways to engage students prior to exams to support their confidence, systemic logistics, and student and staff efficiency for multiple assessments.

High School Taskforce: Jeff Adams, Tim Coleman, Jena Dennis, Ryan Larson, Jory Magel, Ryan Stumne, Heather Sward, Kristin Unverzagt

Elementary Taskforce: Joanne Blake, Ben Bloomquist, Jamie Hogberg, Kelly Huettl, Adam Jensen, Jeanne Lundholm, Jared Polzine, Jay Schueller, Sonni Sylvester,

HS MCA Testing

Elem MCA Testing

💡 How can students prepare for the MCAs?

  • Students are taught lessons based on MN state standards throughout the school year.

  • Familiarizing students with the test format helps students better demonstrate their knowledge of the academic standards during the MCA.

  • Student resources for MCA and MTAS:  Found on the Student Readiness Tools (SRTs) page.

  • SRTs are designed to help students get used to the test format and question types, not the content (which they learn through regular instruction).

Test Day Ready

🌟 Why MCA Testing Matters 🌟
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) play a crucial role in shaping the educational experience for all students.

Key Benefits of Participation:
✔ Pinpoints strengths and areas needing extra support for your student.
✔ MCA scores can demonstrate college and career readiness.
✔ Data helps set meaningful district goals to improve student learning.
✔ Ensures Pine City High School meets state requirements for academic accountability.
✔ Potential cost savings for college – High MCA scores may exempt students from taking non-credit developmental courses.

⚠️ Opt-Out Reminder ⚠️
Opting out means your child will receive a “does not meet” score.

  • This score directly impacts our school’s overall performance rating.

  • We rely on MCA data to identify areas for improvement and provide targeted support for all students.

  • Participation helps us meet state and federal education goals.

  • Your child’s participation matters! It makes a big difference for their learning and our entire school community.