2025 Spring MCA Results and Data Update

Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) results for reading and math were released this week, with White Bear Lake Area Schools once again outperforming statewide averages. While the state’s proficiency levels remain steady, White Bear students continue to show growth in both subjects.

"There are many bright spots to celebrate on the recent MCA tests, but we know our work is never done and we remain committed to ‘upping our game’ to serve all students,” said Superintendent Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak. “This year, we are setting our sights even higher. We will leverage the changes we’ve made to our buildings and to the innovative practices happening in our classrooms, and we will continue to adapt and refine to ensure every student thrives.”

One highlight is that the district’s MCA Reading scores for the fifth-grade cohort – the group of students who began kindergarten during the most disrupted year of the pandemic – rose nearly 20% since their third-grade year and scored 5% higher than last year’s fifth-grade class. At the middle school level, eighth-grade MCA Math scores increased by nearly 10% compared to their scores in seventh grade.

A challenge remains at the high school level, where a significant number of students opt out of the MCA. Because those students cannot be marked as “proficient” and negatively impact the calculation, the overall 10th and 11th grade averages appear lower than actual performance levels. 

“Our middle and high school students have told us they see little connection between the MCA and their college or career goals, so they don’t approach the tests with the same seriousness as other measures,” said Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Dr. Alison Gillespie. “This year, we will be working with staff and students to both reframe the MCA as an opportunity to demonstrate learning and also build more robust, meaningful ways to measure college and career readiness. While the MCA provides one important data point, it is not the only measure of our students’ preparation for their futures.”

The district relies on a variety of metrics to gauge student success. 

• ACT results: White Bear Lake Area High School students continue to score above the national average on the American College Test (ACT), reflecting strong college readiness. 
• Advanced Placement (AP): In 2025, 536 WBLAHS students took 824 exams, with 80% earning a score of 3 or higher. These results equate to $1.35 million in potential tuition savings based on University of Minnesota rates.
• Graduation rates: The WBLAHS Class of 2024 achieved a 96.5% graduation rate – 12.3 percentage points above the state average and three percentage points higher than the prior year. This was the second-highest graduation rate amongst area high schools. 
• Progress-monitoring: FastBridge assessments throughout the year highlighted encouraging trends, including growth in K-1 earlyReading composite scores and gains in third-grade reading and math proficiency. These tools help teachers provide personalized support to meet individual student needs. 
• Consistent Attendance Rates: During the 2023-24 school, 75.4% of students attended school at least 90% of the time. This continues the increase from previous years including the 2022-23 school where 69.6% of students consistently attended school. 

“Our educators and building leaders are deeply committed to success for each and every one of our students,” said Gillespie. “We are excited to partner with families to help all learners grow and excel.”

White Bear Lake Area Schools continues to evolve to meet its mission. The 2024-25 school year marked the unification of grades 9-12 at WBLAHS and the completion of an intensive literacy training for elementary educators. In the year ahead, the district will lead a math curriculum review and provide professional development to support the transition.

“While traditional benchmarks remain important, the district is committed to finding ways to reflect the broader impact of education by using data intelligently and transparently,” said Kazmierczak. “In the months ahead, we will engage students, families, community members, and partners in conversations about their priorities for students, ensuring our work continues to align with community values.”

Note: Science MCA scores were not released with reading and math scores due to a new Science MCA test being administered this year. Science scores will be available later this fall.