2026 Spring MCA Results and Data Update

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) released the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) results for reading, mathematics and science, with White Bear Lake Area Schools (WBLAS) students performing above statewide averages in all three subject areas.

In reading, WBLAS students performed 5.6 percentage points above the Minnesota state average. Despite the implementation of a new reading assessment this year – a transition that contributed to declines in scores statewide – WBLAS reading results increased from last year.

“The credit goes to our teachers and building leaders,” said Dr. Alison Gillespie, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. “Our implementation of Science of Reading training has strengthened instructional practices and contributed to positive student outcomes as we transition to the new MCA assessment.”

Mathematics results also remained strong, with WBLAS students performing 3.7 percentage points above the state average. In science, district results were 0.8 percentage points above the state average.

“There are many bright spots in the data recently released by MDE,” said Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak. “For example, math scores at some of our elementary schools are beating the state average by as much as 25 points. We will continue to build on these gains, learn from what is working and bring similar results to our other schools.”

Looking Beyond a Single Measure

As discussed during a data update to the School Board this week, the district uses a variety of measures to monitor student learning, growth and success. MCA results provide one important measure, but they are considered alongside other data throughout the year.

• FastBridge: The district utilizes FastBridge assessments in the fall and spring to evaluate preK-12+ student progress and identify students who may benefit from additional support. These assessments help teachers provide personalized support based on individual student needs.
• ACT: WBLAS students continue to perform above the national average on the ACT, providing another measure of college readiness.
• Advanced Placement (AP): During the 2025-26 school year, 509 high school students took 734 AP exams, with 80% earning a score of 3 or higher and 140 receiving an AP Scholar award from the College Board.
• College credit: Seventy-eight percent of the White Bear Lake Area High School (WBLAHS) Class of 2026 earned at least one college credit during their high school enrollment. Students can earn college credit through a variety of opportunities offered by WBLAS, including College in the Schools, AP, Career and Technical Education, Project Lead the Way, Post-Secondary Enrollment Options and others.
• Graduation rates: The WBLAHS Class of 2025 achieved a 97.32% graduation rate, 12.38 percentage points above the state average.

“These measures help us see the full picture of how our students are learning, growing and preparing for what comes next,” Kazmierczak said. “They also remind us that no single assessment can capture the full impact of a student’s educational experience.”

Continuing the Conversation About Student Success

The release of this year’s MCA results comes as MDE considers the future of its statewide assessment and accountability system. A task force, including students and families, teachers, school leaders and education experts from across Minnesota, will soon begin meeting to consider whether current statewide assessments are providing the most meaningful information to understand learning and improve student success.

“Traditional measures of success remain important, but they tell only part of the story,” Kazmierczak said. “In the months ahead, we will pair data with the voices of students, families, community members and partners to better understand what matters most to our community. Their input will help shape our priorities and ensure our work continues to reflect what our community values for its students.”