Assessments and Grading
Park High School closely follows the requirements established by state and federal education mandates for assessment and accountability.
Student grades are meant to provide an accurate reflection of a student's learning with what they know based on grade level academic standards.
Assessments and Tests
- Testing Purpose
- District Testing Schedule by School
- Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing
- Upcoming Assessments
Testing Purpose
District Testing Schedule by School
Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing
To opt out of statewide assessments, parents/guardians must complete this form and return it to their child's school.
Parent/Guardian Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Assessments
Upcoming Assessments
All students identified as English Learners (EL) will be taking the ACCESS assessment between January 31st and March 24th.
This assessment is a federal requirement to assess English proficiency for students learning English. There are four domains tested - Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
If you have questions, please contact the principal at your child’s school for specific dates and more information.
ACCESS Testing
ACCESS Testing
All students identified as English Learners (EL) will be taking the ACCESS or Alternate ACCESS assessment between January and March.
This assessment is a federal requirement to assess English proficiency for students learning English. There are four domains tested - Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
If you have questions, please contact the principal at your child’s school for specific dates and more information.
About ACCESS Testing
In order to follow federal and state mandates, all EL-identified students are given an English proficiency examination annually, even if they are not currently receiving English learner services. The test scores are used to make sure students are making progress in English through reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test is called the Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State (ACCESS). This test helps teachers and schools understand how well students are learning English.
The ACCESS test includes questions about reading, writing and listening. The test is taken in a group setting with other students and includes a speaking assessment between each student and a teacher. The test will not be timed.
Your child will be tested during the regular school day either on a computer (online) or on paper as noted below. Our testing schedule:
| Grades | Test |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | Assessment: 60-90 minutes |
| Grades 1-12 (Online) | Listening: 65 minutes |
| Grades 1-12 (Online) | Reading: up to 90 minutes |
| Grades 1-12 (Online) | Speaking: 40-60 minutes |
| Grades 1-5 (Paper) | Writing: 65-90 minutes |
| Grades 6-12 (Online) | Writing: 65-90 minutes |
| Alternate ACESS test (for select students with an IEP) |
Listening: 30 minutes |
MCA/MTAS
SoWashCo Schools administers the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) each year. Students who receive special education services and meet eligibility criteria may take the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) test as an alternative. Most students will take the MCA online during the school day.
About the MCA/MTAS
The MCA/MTAS assesses students’ knowledge of academic, grade-level standards in reading, mathematics, and science. The test results are a source of information for us to evaluate our services, supports, programs, and classroom instruction. The MCA/MTAS assessment results are used by many people for multiple purposes. Some examples include:
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High school students can use MCA results to skip remedial coursework at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, as well as to enroll in the Post-secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program.
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Families use the data to track and understand their child/ren’s progress in learning grade-level standards.
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Teachers use the data to inform their instruction and assess student learning.
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District and school staff members use the results to assess academic achievement trends over time and identify inequities across student groups.
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The MN Department of Education uses MCA data as an academic indicator in the North Star accountability system. The system identifies schools and districts that need support to improve student outcomes, ensures that accountability indicators are publicly reported, and recognizes schools and districts that have implemented successful strategies.
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Policymakers use results to identify gaps in services and programming needs within communities.
Participation
Students in the following grades participate in the MCA/MTAS:
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Reading: Grades 3-8, 10
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Mathematics: Grades 3-8, and 11
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Science: Grades 5 and 8, and any high school student taking a life science or biology course
Participation in MCA/MTAS testing is important so that we have accurate data to assess how students are learning academic standards and determine which academic areas we need to improve instruction in. Testing dates for each school are posted in the District Testing Calendar before the school year begins.
We recognize that the MCA/MTAS testing window overlaps with a number of religious observances and holy days. SoWashCo Schools is committed to honoring and being responsive to the needs of all families and students. Please contact your child’s school if you have concerns or questions about school testing dates and times, needed accommodations, and/or your student’s participation in MCA/MTAS testing.
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has the following resources to learn more about the assessments:
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Student Participation in statewide assessments
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MCA Parent Fact Sheets
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MTAS Parent Fact Sheets
ACT
ACT Testing
SoWashCo Schools administers the American College Test (the ACT) each year to students in grade 11. The test has been reschuleded and will be administered online at school on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Minnesota State Statute 120B.30 requires SoWashCo Schools to provide an opportunity for high school students to take a college entrance exam during the school day.
ABOUT THE ACT
Why take the ACT? Here’s what you need to know:
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The ACT is accepted by all US colleges and universities
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The ACT can help students get better scholarships
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The ACT provides college and career resources for each examinee
While some colleges are making the admissions process “test optional” at this time, here are some things to consider. Taking the ACT enables you to:
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Take the right classes
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Get more scholarships
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Qualify for specific programs
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Secure your admission.
Read more here about why the ACT is right for you even if not every college is requiring a college entrance exam at this time. Historically a college entrance exam, like the ACT, are required for admission into most colleges and are a large part of the admissions process.
When students take the ACT test, high school educators and counselors receive valuable information for guidance and curriculum development. K-12 professionals use ACT reports to:
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Guide students toward college and career readiness
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Assist students with college and career planning
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Evaluate the effectiveness of instruction
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Plan changes and improvements in curriculum
Each time you take the ACT, you get a composite score that is an average of the results on the four subjects of the test: Math, Science, English and Reading. Composite scores range from 1-36. For each subject you’ll see your readiness for first year college courses in the corresponding subjects. Sample score report.
The ACT Resources for Examinees
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Information for Examinees on act.org
2023 ACT Information
Attendance and Materials
All students must attend school on Thursday, April 27 to take the ACT. Registration is not required. There will not be a make-up opportunity.
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Students at East Ridge High School, Park High School, SoWashCo Online, and Woodbury High School should report to their testing location by 8:30 a.m.
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South Washington Alternative High School students should report to their testing location by 8:45 a.m.
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Students arriving at their testing location after 8:50 a.m. will not be admitted due to ACT testing rules.
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Students should come with their ACT approved calculator, a writing utensil, photo ID, and their school-issued chromebook charged and ready.
Schedule, meals and transportation
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School start times will remain the same.
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Students will test until approximately 1 p.m. with one 15-minute break. A snack will be provided at break time and students may also bring a snack of their own.
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Lunch will be available after testing is complete.
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Students will be dismissed and have the option to leave school at the conclusion of testing; students who choose to remain in the building will be directed to a supervised area. Bus transportation via regular routes will be available at the regular high school dismissal times.
Test results
Students are encouraged to sign up for a free MyACT account to access scores early. Students with an account can view their scores online before score reports are mailed out. At the latest, accounts must be created two days after testing.
Contact your principal for more specific information about ACT testing at your school.
Seal of Biliteracy
The Seal of Biliteracy is a language proficiency award that students earn which reflects their proficiency in two or more languages as measured on the national scale of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
Students are assessed in all four language domains (reading, writing, listening and speaking) using proficiency assessments from an approved list provided by the Minnesota Department of Education. The scores students receive can qualify them for one of three award levels. There is no cost to students to test for the Seal of Biliteracy. Testing is scheduled in the spring at your student’s school for most languages.
The Seal is awarded to students who demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English (regardless of how the language was learned), and also demonstrate proficiency in the English language by earning all required English Language Arts (ELA) credits in high school (four years of high school credit earned). Currently, eligible languages for MN’s Seal of Biliteracy program include: Amharic, American Sign Language, Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese (Mandarin), Czech, Dakota, French, German, Hindi, Hebrew, Hmong, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Karen, Korean, Latin, Ojibwe, Oromo, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tamil, Thai, and Vietnamese. However, So WashCo does not administer testing for every eligible language. Students who want to test in Bulgarian, Czech, Hungarian, Latin, Tamil, and Thai should contact Dr. Mao Thao Jacobson (mjacobso1@sowashco.org, 651-425-6228) for more information about where and how to test. Testing for Tamil can be taken with the MN Tamil School (typically in May) or Twin Cities Tamil Padasalai.
SoWashCo will cover the cost of testing in one language per school year. If students would like to test in multiple languages in one school year, students and families will need to pay for the cost of additional tests. Students and families may also be charged for any late cancellation fees for testing in American Sign Language.
College credit through Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MNSCU) may be awarded. Anywhere from 2-4 semester credits may be earned depending on the level of the seal/certificate earned.
|
Award |
Criteria in all four modalities — listening, reading, speaking and writing |
Number of college credits earned |
|---|---|---|
|
Bilingual Platinum Seal |
ACTFL Advanced Low |
4 semesters |
|
Bilingual Gold Seal |
ACTFL Intermediate High |
3 semesters |
|
World Language Proficiency Certificate |
ACTFL Intermediate Low |
2 semesters |
The following scores on Advanced Placement (AP) Language assessments correlate to the following proficiency levels*:
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Score of 3 - Intermediate-low proficiency level (World Language proficiency seal), 2 semesters’ credit
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Score of 4 - Intermediate-high proficiency level (Gold Seal), 3 semesters’ credit
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Score of 5 - Advanced-low proficiency level (Platinum Seal), 4 semesters’ credit
*The AP Spanish Language and Culture exam does qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy; the AP Spanish Literature and Culture exam does not qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy. College in the Schools (CIS) language courses earn college credit through the University of Minnesota (UMN) for grades of C or better. The UMN does not recognize the Seal of Biliteracy award for college credit.
A score of on International Baccalaureate (IB) assessments correlate to the following proficiency levels:
Language B:
SL Scores 3; HL Score 2 - World Language Proficiency Certificate
SL Score 4; HL Score 3, 4—Gold Seal
SL Score 5, 6, 7; HL Score 5, 6, 7—Platinum Seal
Language A (non-English Language):
SL Score 2; HL Score 2—World Language Proficiency Certificate
SL Score 3; HL Score 3—Gold Seal
SL Score 4, 5, 6, 7; HL Score 4, 5, 6, 7—Platinum Seal
Benefits of the Seal of Biliteracy
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Students receive recognition of students’ bilingual/bicultural or multilingual/multicultural identity.
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Students can earn college credits at Minnesota State College and Universities (Minnesota State). Minnesota State does not include the University of Minnesota.
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The Seal provides credentials for job and internship opportunities.
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The Seal provides recognition on college entrance applications.
Eligibility Criteria For Testing
Testing for the Seal of Biliteracy is voluntary. Students in grades 11th and 12th are eligible to participate. Students must pass all four years of English Language Arts in order to earn the Seal of Biliteracy. In addition, students must show proficiency in all four domains of an additional language. In supporting your student in their decision to test, ACTFL’s guidelines on what learners can do at different proficiency levels will be helpful to review:
Registration Information:
Registration is open from mid-February to mid March each year. Registration links are sent to students’ school email. Please contact Mao Thao Jacobson, Director of Program Evaluation, Research and Assessment at mjacobso1@sowashco.org or 651-425-6228 for more information.
High School Testing Dates
Most students will participate in school-wide testing. Students will participate in the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA), American College Testing (ACT) and/or the Seal of Biliteracy. These tests will be administered at school on the student's school-issued device.
Please review the table below to determine if the student is expected to attend school for testing. Students that are not testing are expected to complete schoolwork at home. Assignments will be posted by their teacher in Schoology. Please note that teachers may not be available for questions during testing days as they will be administering and proctoring testing.
MCA/MTAS Reading and Math Testing
If participating in testing, students must bring their school-issued device
| Grade | |
|---|---|
| Grade 9 | Complete schoolwork at home |
| Grade 10 | Attend school to take the Reading MCA |
| Grade 11 | Attend school to take the Math MCA |
| Grade 12 | Complete schoolwork at home |
ACT, MCA/MTAS Science, Seal of Biliteracy
If participating in testing, students must bring their school-issued device
| Grade | |
|---|---|
| Grade 9 |
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| Grade 10 |
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| Grade 11 |
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| Grade 12 |
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Grades
High School
- Class Rank
- Course Failure
- Grade Point Averages (GPA)
- Graduation Requirements
- Incompletes
- Mid-term Progress Reports
- Pass/No Credit Program
- Report Cards
- Credit by Assessment
- Weighted Grading
Class Rank
SoWashCo high schools do not provide class ranks. Information indicating a class rank using either the academic or all-subject grade point averages will not be issued internally or externally to staff, students, parents, or other academic institutions or agencies.
Due to the nature of our curriculum and the ability of our students, we believe that statistical class rank would represent an inaccurate assessment of a student's abilities and potential for collegiate success.
Course Failure
Course failure defined: The student has not achieved the expected level of competence in the course outcomes, concept development or skill attainment. Further, it is the assessment of the classroom instructor that the student's continuous academic progress is best served by the student repeating the course. The "F" has a value of (0.00) in the district's grading system. It counts as an attempted credit in determining the student's GPA.
Grade Point Averages (GPA)
| Grade/Percentage | Unweighted GPA Value | Weighted GPA Value |
| A = 93-100% | 4.0 | 4.8 |
| A- = 90-92.99% | 3.667 | 4.4004 |
| B+ = 87-89.99% | 3.333 | 3.9996 |
| B = 83-86.99% | 3.0 | 3.6 |
| B- = 80-82.99% | 2.667 | 3.2004 |
| C+ = 77-79.99% | 2.333 | 2.7996 |
| C = 73-76.99% | 2.0 | 2.4 |
| C- = 70-72.99% | 1.667 | 2.0004 |
| D+ = 67-69.99% | 1.333 | 1.5996 |
| D = 63-66.99% | 1.0 | 1.2 |
| D- = 60-62.99% | 0.667 | 0.8004 |
| F = Below 59.99% | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Graduation Requirements
Students must meet all course credit requirements and graduation standards, as established by the State of Minnesota and the SoWashCo School Board, in order to graduate.
Students must earn:
- 12 credits in English
- 10 credits in Social Studies (including 1 cr in Political Science and 1 cr in Economics)
- 9 credits in Mathematics
- 9 credits in Science (must include one year of Biology and one year of Chemistry or Physics)
- 1 credit in General Physical Education
- 1 credit in Health (embedded throughout high school)
- 2 credits in Fine Arts
- 22 credits in electives
Total of 66 credits
Incompletes
Students must fulfill all of the requirements of each course before a grade will be issued. Students who have been ill/absent for an excused reason and are issued an incomplete must make up the incomplete work within 2 weeks of when grades are published (unless granted an extended time period as approved by administration). No credit will be awarded for the course until the incomplete is made up and an alpha grade is issued. The "I" has a mark value of (0). It counts as an attempted credit in determining the student's GPA.
Mid-term Progress Reports
Mid-term reports are available to view via Parent Portal before conferences each trimester. Teachers may send periodic reports or call parents if a student is receiving a failing or near failing grade in their respective courses. If a student is failing after mid-term, the teacher must notify the parents by mail or phone call.
Pass/No Credit Program
Students may request to take an elective course for Pass/No Credit by filling out the appropriate form.
- Only two elective class can be taken under this program per trimester, per year.
- Once the decision has been made, the student is to:
- Pick up a pass/no credit form in the Counseling and Career Center, obtain parent/guardian signature, and return it to the counselor.
- After the counselor has reviewed and approved the request, the teacher will receive a copy of the form.
- All grading during the trimester will remain the same; only the final grade will differ.
- Students returning from out-of district placements, or with special circumstances, may be granted extended pass/no credit options.
Pass/No Credit facts to know:
- After making a decision to be graded "pass/no credit" in an elective course, a student cannot later change his/her mind.
- A pass/no credit grade will not be part of the GPA.
- A course taken on the pass/no credit program and successfully completed will receive the same one credit toward graduation as offered under the alpha system.
- To receive credit, students must earn a minimum of a "D" grade. A class may not require a grade equivalent above a "D" to earn a "pass" grade. Teachers must notify students who have chosen the "P" grade what criteria will be used to determine the "D" grade, or what is expected in order to pass the class.
Pass/No Credit for Special Education Students
Pass/No Credit for Special Education Students Students whose courses/subjects are modified or adapted by an Individual Education Plan (IEP) shall earn grades consistent with normal grading practices unless the IEP provides for an alternate grading system. The alternate grading system shall provide a "P" for satisfactory progress or a "N" for no credit toward IEP goals and shall be determined by the student's special education IEP Team.
Report Cards
Students' grades will be posted to parents/guardians for review at the end of each trimester via Campus Parent Portal. Parents can track student grades and GPA (and attendance) throughout the school year by using Campus Parent Portal. To register for an account, contact the Department of Student Information at (651)-458-6236.
Credit by Assessment
A. MN Statutes Section 120B.021 authorizes school districts to establish and maintain a system for awarding course credit to students who demonstrate and successfully meet the academic standards of a course required for high school graduation.
B. Students may request Credit by Assessment for core content courses or World Language courses only currently being offered through an application process. A student may attempt to earn credit by assessment only once for each course. Credit by assessment will only be offered for the entire course, not a portion of any course.
C. A student may not earn more than six trimester credits per year or eight courses total toward graduation via credit by assessment.
D. Students must pass any exam with at least 80% in order to earn credit by assessment, or earn a score of “proficient” or “meets expectations” in all categories on evidence assessed using a rubric.
E. The school will update its website prior to the beginning of each school year with the Application for Credit by Assessment.
Weighted Grading
College Credit Programs
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- College in the Schools (CIS)
- Northeast Metro 916 (916)
- Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)
- Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
Advanced Placement (AP)
About Advanced Placement (AP)
SoWashCo Schools is committed to offering our students a variety of rigorous learning opportunities. Advanced Placement courses let students participate in college-level coursework while enrolled in a high school setting.
Students can earn college credit, stand out in the college admissions process, gain skills that will help them succeed in college, and broaden their intellectual horizons.
Students taking AP courses are prepared to take the AP exam but also develop learning habits needed to handle more rigorous coursework, improve writing skills, and sharpen problem-solving abilities.
SoWashCo Schools provides testing sites each May for AP exams and offers many AP courses that prepare students for success on the exams. Students who score 3 ,4 or 5 on AP exams often receive credit or advanced standing upon college admission. AP grades are weighted using a 1.2x multiplier.
AP Testing
Course specific AP testing information, including testing dates, can be found on the College Board website. AP tests can only be taken for courses currently offered at each high school.
AP Exam Fee: 2022-23 AP exams are $61 each. Students who educational benefits (free or reduced price lunch) will pay $16 per AP exam.
Accommodations: Students with documented disabilities must submit their request for accommodations by January 9, 2023. See the AP website getting accommodations webpage. Students will need to provide supporting documentation along with the request. If you have received accommodation for a previous AP exam, you will not need to apply again.
Cancellation Fees: For 2023, there will be a $40 fee for AP exam cancellations beginning on Nov. 15, 2022 at 11 p.m. There are no refunds for late registration fees.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
International Baccalaureate (IB) programs challenge students to excel in their studies, and encourage both personal and academic achievement. IB courses grades are weighted.
Watch the IB Informational Video
The International Baccalaureate Program aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
The IB program is currently only available at Park High School.
College in the Schools (CIS)
College in the Schools gives students direct experience with the pace, academic standards and individual responsibilities inherent in college education. These courses are actual University of MN courses taken at SoWashCo high schools and the students earn University of MN course credit. CIS grades are weighted using a 1.2x multiplier.
College in the Schools is not offered at all high school sites.
Northeast Metro 916 (916)
About 916 | Who Can Participate | Course Offerings | College Credit
About 916
The 916 Career and Technical Center, on the Century College campus, provides a wide range of course offerings to juniors and seniors who wish to explore career options in business, health, public services and technology by integrating academic learning with technical education. The district provides transportation to this program, but students must provide transportation to satellite programs.
Who Can Participate
Students who are either juniors or seniors may be eligible for 916 courses. However, students need to make sure they are addressing their required courses for graduation before they can participate in 916 courses. It is advised that students consult with their counselor to see if they can work the 916 courses into their schedule.
Course Offerings
To view current available 916 courses, please visit their website.
Do students earn college credit through 916?
In the registration guide, under each course description it will indicate whether or not students can earn college credits in taking that course. More than 100 college courses at 12 colleges are articulated through the 916 courses. To find out which colleges grant college credits, visit https://careertech.916schools.org/. Search for career articulation.
Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)
Important PSEO Documents:
SoWashCo PSEO Information Packet | MDE PSEO Notice of Student Registration | MDE Family Notice | MDE PSEO Website
Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows students going into 10th, 11th and 12th grade to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college or university sets its own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. 11th- and 12th-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis; 10th-graders may take one career/technical PSEO course. If 10th- graders taking a CTE PSEO course earn at least a grade C in that class, they may take additional CTE PSEO courses. Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09. If a school district determines a pupil is not on track to graduate, she/he may continue to participate in PSEO.
There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course. Enrolling in a PSEO course does not prohibit a student from participating in activities sponsored by the high school. Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses.
Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
Project Lead the Way's (PLTW) programs emphasize critical thinking, creativity, innovation and real-world problem solving. The hands-on learning engages students on multiple levels, exposes them to areas of study that they may not otherwise pursue and provides them with a foundation and proven path to post-secondary training and career success in STEM-related fields.
Through engineering, students create, design, build, discover, collaborate and solve problems while applying what they learn in math and science. Our engineering program engages students in activities, projects, and problem-based (APPB) learning, which provide hands-on classroom experiences. SoWashCo Schools offers classes from the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) curriculum.
PLTW is the leading U.S. provider of rigorous and innovative Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education programs. SoWashCo Schools students have the opportunity to earn college credit for engineering courses by obtaining a passing score on the end of course exam coupled with approval from the college.
To learn more about the PLTW program, visit their website.