Testing Calendar

2025-2026 PDF Print Version

2025-2026 Spectrum Testing Plan/Schedule   

FASTbridge Testing

Fall: Aug. 27 – Sept. 30, 2025
Winter: Dec. 1, 2025 – Jan. 27, 2026
Spring: Mar. 3 – Apr. 30, 2026

Grades: 5–12
Type: Local
Description: FASTbridge interim assessments in Math and Reading provide individual student data to inform instructional strategies. Data is analyzed at the district level for both annual and multi-year trends. This assessment serves as the standardized test for creating district/site Q-Comp goals and supports competency-based learning aligned with Minnesota State Academic Standards.
Statute: Minnesota Statutes, sections 120B.021, 120B.11, and 120B.31
Time: 90 minutes (3 times annually; total 270 minutes)
Requirement: Required by district/school

PSAT/NMSQT

Date: Oct. 22, 2025
Grades: 10–11
Type: Local
Description: Provides SAT practice and gives 11th graders potential scholarship opportunities. Measures critical reading, math, and writing skills.
Statute: Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.30
Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Requirement: Optional

PSAT 8/9

Date: Oct. 30, 2025
Grade: 9
Type: Local
Description: Used to meet qualification requirements for concurrent enrollment in 10th grade; also provides SAT practice.
Statute: Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.30
Time: 3 hours
Requirement: Optional

ACCESS for ELL

Dates: Feb. 9–13, 2026
  - Feb. 9 – Reading
  - Feb. 10 – Listening
  - Feb. 11 – Speaking
  - Feb. 12 – Speaking
  - Feb. 13 – Writing
Grades: 5–12
Type: State
Description: Measures five content areas of English language development and provides proficiency levels for logical progression.
Statute: ESEA
Time: Over multiple days
Requirement: Required by federal law for students qualifying for ELL services

ACT (No Writing)

Date: Mar. 11, 2026
Grade: 11
Type: State/Federal
Description: Fulfills the state requirement to offer a college placement exam; measures college readiness and offers scholarship opportunities.
Statute: Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.30
Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (no writing)
Requirement: Optional

MCA Reading

Dates: Mar. 17–20, 2026
Grades: 5–8, 10
Type: State
Description: Provides evidence of student proficiency in grade-level standards.
Statute: Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.30 and ESEA
Time: 2.5–3.5 hours (approx. 3)
Requirement: Required by state law

MCA Math

Dates: Apr. 13–17, 2026
Grades: 5–8, 11
Type: State
Description: Provides evidence of student proficiency in grade-level standards.
Statute: Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.30 and ESEA
Time: 2–3 hours (approx. 2.5)
Requirement: Required by state law

MCA Science

Dates: Apr. 27 – May 1, 2026
Grades: 5, 8, 10
Type: State
Description: Provides evidence of student proficiency in grade-level standards.
Statute: Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.30 and ESEA
Time: 1.5–2 hours (approx. 1.75)
Requirement: Required by state law

AP Testing

  • May 4, 2026 – AP Biology (8:00 a.m.) – Grade 10 – Local – 3.5 hours – Optional
  • May 5, 2026 – AP Human Geography (8:00 a.m.) – Grade 9 – Local – 2 hours 15 minutes – Optional
  • May 14, 2026 – AP Computer Science Principles (12:00 p.m.) – Grades 10–12 – Local – 3 hours – Optional

Description: Determines eligibility for college credit.
Statute: Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.30