Math & reading standards and testing in Minnesota
Updated June 2026
Minnesota adopted Common Core for English language arts but not for math, keeping its own standards in math. Students take the MCA in reading (grades 3-8, 10) and math (grades 3-8, 11) each spring.
Does Minnesota hold kids back in 3rd grade for reading?
No. Minnesota has no 3rd-grade retention gate; the READ Act emphasizes screening and intervention, with promotion local.
Standards
Minnesota Academic Standards
Minnesota sets its own grade-level expectations rather than using Common Core, though the core math and reading skills are similar grade to grade.
The key test
Math test
MCA (Math)
Reading test
MCA (Reading)
Reading the results
Spring.
Four levels: Does Not Meet, Partially Meets, Meets, Exceeds the Standards.
On grade level means Meets or Exceeds the Standards on the MCA reading assessment.
What's distinctive about Minnesota
The READ Act centers on universal literacy screening and structured-literacy training rather than retention.
Practice the skills, by grade
Whatever Minnesota calls its test, the underlying math and reading skills are grade-level. Practice them directly:
Practice the skills behind the test
KangarooKiddo gives short, daily, grade-aligned math and reading practice mapped to Common Core, in sessions kids come back to. Honest progress for you, rewards they earn.
Source: Minnesota Department of Education. Verified for the 2025-26 school year; policies can change, so confirm with your school.