Since Walz took office in 2019, MN MCA rates (meets/exceeds standards):
2019: Reading ~59%, Math ~55%
2020: Cancelled
2022: Reading ~51%, Math ~45%
2023: R 49.9%, M 45.5%
2024: R 49.7%, M 45.3%
2025: R ~49.6%, M ~45.2%
2026: R 48.6% (new test, not comparable), M 44.9%
Sharp pandemic drop, then stagnation well below 2019 levels—no recovery.
MCA measures grade-level state standards via scale scores. Factors include instruction, attendance, demographics, SES, EL/SPED status, participation, and disruptions like remote learning.