High School Diploma Requirements in Minnesota
High school diploma requirements for students in Minnesota include taking 21.5 high school course credits and successfully passing three graduation requirement assessment for diploma (GRAD) tests; these tests are embedded in the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA-II) exams. The exams, developed by the Minnesota Department of Education, measure students' comprehension and ability to apply skills taught during their time in high school.
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Course Requirements
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To meet the Minnesota high school graduation requirements, students must take and pass four credit hours in English and language arts; three credit hours in mathematics, including algebra, geometry, statistics and probability; three credit hours in science, including biology; three and a half credit hours in social studies, including geography, U.S. history, world history, economics and government; one credit hour in art; and seven elective credit hours.
Reading MCA-II/GRAD
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The reading MCA-II/GRAD, taken in 10th grade, measures students' reading and comprehension abilities. The test consists of both fiction and non-fiction passages from works such as poems, short stories and newspaper articles. Students read the passage and identify the main idea or purpose and the meaning of words and phrases. Students must also be able to recognize supporting details in the passage and the author's point of view, draw logical conclusions about the passage and distinguish between fact and opinion.
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Math MCA-II/GRAD
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The Math MCA, taken in 11th grade, measures students' math and problem-solving skills. The exam includes: problem solving involving whole numbers, decimals, fractions, integers, percentages, rates, proportions and ratios; estimating for problem solving; applying measurements concepts; using tables, charts, graphs and maps to analyze data, make predictions and identify patterns; applying geometric and spatial relationships; and demonstrating basic knowledge of probability and statistics.
Science MCA-II
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For the science MCA-II, Minnesota high school students must be able to design and conduct a scientific investigation, understand how science and technology work together and understand cell composition as it relates to all life forms. Students must also demonstrate an understanding of biological evolution, classifications of organisms on Earth and how an ecosystem works, as well as demonstrate comprehension of basic genetics and how the body's organ system maintains equilibrium. The science MCA-II, taken after students complete a life sciences course, does not have a GRAD component.
Written Composition GRAD
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As a requirement for a high school diploma in Minnesota, students must pass the written composition GRAD, which requires students to create a composition for an adult reader. The composition must have a clearly stated message, supporting ideas that are relevant to the overall story and a logical beginning, middle and end. In addition, students must use proper grammar, punctuation and spelling. The written composition GRAD is taken in 9th grade.
MCA-II/GRAD Scoring
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Scoring for the MCA-II/GRAD tests is scaled, meaning the correct answers are counted, and the number is compared to a predetermined area on a scale of low to high scores, which determines proficiency. According to the Minnesota Department of Education, this type of scoring allows for easier comparison because the test questions have varying difficulty levels and can change from year to year. Students can retest yearly, in the case of a low or failing score, with the highest result noted on the student's school record.
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References
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