The Minnesota Department of Education on Friday released the year’s updated MCA test scores. For the third year in a row, scores are nearly flat and show only 45.2% of students are meeting grade level standards in math and 49.6% of students are meeting grade level standards in reading. 

Senator Carla Nelson, former chair of the Senate Education Committee and former teacher, released the following statement:

“Another year of disappointing results should trouble all Minnesotans. Education is the great equalizer, the key that can open so many doors of opportunity. But year after year, results show we are falling short of where we need to be. We are leaving too many of our children unprepared for the future.

“Parents are the first and most influential teachers, and many schools work in great partnership with parents. But the results tell us we have work to do. Let’s start by putting Students First and renewing our focus on the fundamentals. Parents, teachers, and communities know how important strong reading and math skills are for every child’s success. We must return our focus to what works in the classroom and give schools and students the support they need. Our children are our future. Minnesota can and must do better.”