Curriculum & Testing
Dassel-Cokato Schools is a collaborative community of students, families, staff, and local partners dedicated to educating, inspiring, and empowering each of our learners.
The areas of Curriculum and Testing work closely with members of this community to ensure that every learner gains the knowledge and skills necessary to shape their future, achieve their dreams, and make meaningful contributions to both local and global communities.
District Curriculum Information
Long before new materials are purchased, teachers work together in study teams to consider research, past experience, and "best practices" associated with their subject area. As study teams enter the "write and purchase" phase of review, curriculum plans are set. These plans take the form of a curriculum map of their course/s. The curriculum maps provide a specific description of expectations for a particular course or grade. Once curriculum plans and their supporting materials receive Curriculum Advisory Committee recommendation and school board approval, the stage is set to transition to the revised instructional strategies.
The K-12 curriculum is broken into curriculum areas. The Dassel-Cokato Schools utilize a ten year cycle to review curriculum areas.
Click here to see Dassel-Cokato Public School's Local Literacy Plan.
Click here to see Dassel-Cokato Public School's Best Workforce 2022-23 Summary Presentation.
Click here to see Dassel-Cokato Public School's 2023 World's Best Workforce/MCA Proficiency Review.
Click here to see Dassel-Cokato Public School's Staff Development District Report 2023-2024.
Any questions can be directed to the Dassel-Cokato Curriculum Director, Ryan Weinandt via email or by phone (320) 286-4100, ext. 1504.
District Testing Information
Testing is used in schools to measure student achievement. State tests are given to students in a district once a year, based on their grade level and subject area. Classroom tests are given by individual teachers on a more regular basis and may include quizzes, mid-terms, chapter tests, and final exams, among others. Both types of tests give educators an idea of how well their students are learning the concepts presented to them in the classroom. Below you will find links to useful information and tools that teachers, parents, and students can use to practice for and to understand the Minnesota Department of Education basic skills and MCA tests.
Any questions can be directed to the Dassel-Cokato Assessment Director, TJ Anderson, by email or by phone (320) 286-4100, ext. 1304.
Dassel-Cokato Public School District’s Dyslexia Plan
“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.” -International Dyslexia Association, 2002
Dassel-Cokato School District takes the issue of all reading concerns very seriously and screens all elementary students for indicators of dyslexia in compliance with Minnesota Statute 120B.12. These screening efforts are designed to identify students who may need learning interventions or further evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services. Students whom have a dyslexia diagnosis must meet the state and federal eligibility criteria in order to qualify for special education services.
Click here for the complete Dassel-Cokato Public School District’s Dyslexia Plan
Dassel-Cokato Public School District's LIEP Program
The purpose of the below document is to outline the critical elements of the Dassel-Cokato Language Instruction Educational Program (LIEP) Plan, in accordance with the suggested elements for effective EL (English Learner) programming resources provided by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). The purpose of this plan is to communicate and describe consistent practices that ensure that all English Learners receive adequate and meaningful instruction that complies with state and federal laws. The Dassel-Cokato Schools have a carefully constructed process to ensure that English Learners receive the appropriate services and supports. The goals of the EL program are:
- To provide language instruction and support to limited English Learners so that they can become communicatively and academically proficient in English; and
- To ensure that English Learners have access to all content necessary for graduation and post-secondary education and/or employment.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS DC's Language Instruction Educational Program
Set Your sights on success
Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, is a program that provides on-demand, online tutoring and homework help at no cost to eligible service members and their dependents. With live, expert tutors available 24/7, military-connected students can receive academic help at their moment of need—anywhere they have an internet connection.
Test data in the classroom: assessing, analyzing and taking action
Testing 1, 2, 3: A Resource for Teachers
Educators empowered with reliable data use it to eliminate learning barriers and evaluate classroom instruction. This website is an effort to provide teachers with relevant assessment and data resources that support an equitable learning environment where all students can achieve at high levels.
Standards-Based Accountability Assessments
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) and alternate assessment Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and also meet federal and state legislative requirements.
Students take one test in each subject. Most students take the MCA, but students who receive special education services and meet eligibility requirements may take the alternate assessment MTAS instead.
The list below shows tests by subject and the grades they are given.
Reading: MCA or MTAS (gr. 3-8, 10)
Math: MCA or MTAS (gr. 3-8, 11)
Science: MCA or MTAS
(gr. 5, 8, and once in high school)
Test Specific Resources
Item Samplers