Minnesota students take the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) in the spring. Reading and Math are tested in grades 3–8, and Science in grades 5 and 8. The tests are online and untimed, and Reading and Math adapt to each student.
High school: Districts must offer and pay for one ACT or SAT for eligible grade 11–12 students; it is not an accountability test.
K–2: There is no K–2 state test; the READ Act requires K–3 literacy screening three times a year with a screener the district picks from an MDE-approved list.
Testing calendar
2026–27 testing windows
Reading MCA-IV3–8 (and 10)
Spring.
Mathematics MCA3–8 (and 11)
Spring.
Science MCA-IV5, 8, and once in high school
Spring.
High school MCA tests10–11
Spring.
Dates from the state’s published 2026–27 schedule. Districts set their own days inside each window.
What’s new for 2026–27
What changed this year
New
Reading MCA-IV was first given in spring 2026, with new performance levels: Beginning, Intermediate, Meets and Advanced.
MDE convened a Testing and Assessment Task Force in September 2026 to recommend changes to the statewide testing framework; no changes are adopted yet.
Every workbook in the series, plus 10,000+ resources
Every test prep workbook is included — print it or play it. One membership covers your whole year: test prep in the spring, everything else all year long.
Every test prep workbook — Printable PDF + Interactive
No. Our workbooks are independent practice resources with original questions. They're aligned to each state's published test design, but they are not official test materials and aren't affiliated with any state or test publisher.
How do I know a workbook matches this year's test?
Each state page shows the date we last checked the state's official sources. We re-check every state each summer and update the workbooks whose test changed.
Can I use a workbook with my whole class?
Yes. A purchase covers one teacher and their own students. To share with every teacher in a school, choose the School License.
What’s the difference between the editions?
The Printable PDF prints for your class. The Interactive Workbook is the same workbook online — self-checking, with read-aloud, on interactive whiteboards, touch panels, Chromebooks and tablets. The Bundle gives you both. The School License covers both for one school. Paperbacks are sold on Amazon once each one is available. Members get the Printable PDF and the Interactive Workbook of every workbook.
Have Fun Teaching test prep workbooks are independent, supplemental practice resources. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT Education Corp., which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this product. SAT® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this product. MCA is named only to identify the test these workbooks prepare students for; test names belong to their owners. Have Fun Teaching, LLC is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Minnesota Department of Education or any test publisher. Not an official test. No score or result is guaranteed.
Testing information was checked against official Minnesota sources on the date above. States can change tests and dates at any time — see the official links for the latest.
