Crosslake Community Schools - Academics

Academics

Teaching and learning at Crosslake Community Schools are guided by Minnesota academic standards, student performance data and the needs of individual learners. Across the district’s in-person and online schools, staff use curriculum, assessment and ongoing collaboration to support consistent instruction and continuous improvement.

The district’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports, or MTSS, provides a framework for identifying and responding to academic, behavioral and social-emotional needs. This includes strong core instruction for all students, targeted support when additional help is needed and more intensive intervention when appropriate.

This work is supported by the Teaching and Learning Coordinator, who helps coordinate districtwide priorities including curriculum, literacy, Q Comp and the District Advisory Committee.

Resources

Districtwide Assessment Calendar

View Full Calendar

Assessment Types

MCA – Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment

Required by the state of Minnesota to hold schools accountable. The state is required by the federal government to assess students in math and reading in grades 3-8, plus reading in 10th grade and math in 11th grade. Assessments are held once per year in the spring. The data collected is used by teachers and district leaders to help guide instruction and better support students. For more information, please visit the link that is hyperlinked above.

American College Testing (ACT)

CCS offers the Late Spring ACT assessment for 11th and 12th graders who wish to participate. Participation is optional as these scores are used for college entrance requirements. For more information on ACTs, please visit their website linked here.

Fastbridge Universal Screening

Fastbridge is a quick and easy way to check how students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade are doing with their reading and math skills. Think of it like a quick health checkup, but for school subjects! It helps teachers see who is doing well and who might need a little extra help. The test is taken three times a year, and the results help teachers plan lessons so that every student can become a strong learner. This screening is part of a new Minnesota law called the Minnesota READ Act.

Star Assessments

Star is a computer-based screener given to students in grades 4th-12th that gives teachers a full picture of a their math abilities, measured against current Minnesota academic benchmarks. The test adjusts to each student, making it a good fit for all learners. The results help teachers see what each student already knows and what they’re ready to learn next.

Capti ReadBasix

Capti ReadBasix is a screening for reading for students in 4th through 12th grade . It is based on a method called the “Science of Reading” to find the specific skills a student needs help with. This test looks at things like decoding words, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. The results help teachers give students targeted support so they can build a strong foundation and become more confident readers.

WIDA ACCESS

The WIDA ACCESS is a test that measures how students are developing their English skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing, and is based on the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards. These standards are connected to what students learn in school, and they help make sure students build the language skills they need to fully participate in classroom learning.