Students in the Forest Lake Area School District performed slightly higher than the state average on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments-II (MCA-II) math and reading tests, according to results released last week by the Minnesota Department of Education.

“We believe we are moving in the right direction and we have many measures in place to help our students succeed,” said Lynn Steenblock, superintendent of schools in ISD 831.

“We are committed to improving student achievement in our district to ensure our students meet the standards they need for school and life.”

This was the second year the state has administered the MCA-II. The tests were created to be more challenging than the previous MCA exam in order to align with the more rigorous state standards.

The reading exams were given to all students in grades 3-8 and 10 and the math exams were given to all students in grades 3-8 and 11.

Overall, 62 percent of students in Forest Lake Area Schools are proficient in math and 73 percent of students are proficient in reading.

Statewide, 61 percent of students are proficient in math and 68 percent in reading.

While the MCA-II results give a good snapshot of how the district is doing, many factors are used to help the district improve instruction in the schools. Teachers and support staff use a variety of methods to measure individual student progress and adapt teaching to meet the needs of students.

“Amazing things are happening inside our schools,” Steenblock said.

“We’re making huge strides in the ways we are teaching students and reaching them on individual levels. We have very high expectations for our students and our staff, and together we will continue to do what it takes to help them meet their goals.”

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