1. Minnesota High School Graduation Tests
October 2015
Minnesota High School Graduation Tests
Jennifer Dugan
NCSA 2016
“Leading for educational excellence and equity. Every day for every one.”

2. Presentation Overview
October 2015
Presentation Overview
Historical Picture
Current Situation
“Leading for educational excellence and equity. Every day for every one.”

3. Historical Perspective Basic Skills Test (BST)
Minimum skills needed to enter workforce
Minimum % correct identified by legislature prior to administration
Not aligned to grade-level standards
Math, Reading, Writing
Retests
: Initial Administration
: Final retests
education.state.mn.us

4. Historical Perspective Graduation Required Assessment for Diploma (GRAD)
Minimum skills needed to enter workforce
Ensure students are on track to have the essential skills and knowledge necessary for graduation in the 21st century
“Essential skills” identified from high school and grade 8 standards
Math, Reading, Writing
Initial legislation passed in 2005
Retests
education.state.mn.us

5. Historical Perspective Graduation Required Assessment for Diploma (GRAD)
2007: Initial Writing Administration
Spring 2008: Initial Reading Administration
Spring 2009: Initial Math Administration
Spring 2009: “Alternate pathway” legislation passed
: Final retests
education.state.mn.us

6. Historical Perspective College Entrance Exam
2013: Legislation Passed
Spring 2015: Statewide ACT
2015: Legislation Passed
and : Districts offer college entrance exam during school day; MDE reimburses
education.state.mn.us

7. Conversation Continues
Sufficient funding for participation?
Usability?
Student motivation?
“Leading for educational excellence and equity. Every day for every one.”

8. Contact Information
Jennifer Dugan
(651)
“Leading for educational excellence and equity. Every day for every one.”