Search MnSTA

MDE is inviting science educators to apply to be part of the Science MCA-IV Item Writer Training in Summer 2025. The training will be 4 1/2 days total, with approximately 15–20 additional hours independently needed to complete the writing assignments. The 2025 item writer training will be focused on writing engaging grade-level phenomena and questions tied to the 2019 Minnesota Science Standards, with the goal to generate creative thinking and to engage unique teaching approaches to build a repository of phenomena and questions for the Science MCA-IV.

Schedule and Process Details

• Attend required training/work days:
• June 27 (half-day - virtual)
• July 16-17 (in person)
• August 5-6 (in person)
• Work independently to complete two phenomenon-based scenarios with 7–8 questions for each phenomenon by August 11.

Benefits for Educators

• Build a robust understanding of and diverse perspectives on the 2019 Science standards.
• Offer insights to the creation of quality assessments that impact 60,000 students per grade.
• Expand creative thinking while developing engaging grade-level phenomena and item ideas.
• Learn skills and practices that support strong classroom assessment.
• Collaborate with Science colleagues from across Minnesota.
• Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
• Receive monetary participation compensation.

If you are interested in being part of this Science MCA-IV Item Writer Training, please enter your information into this survey by April 25 https://bit.ly/MCAScienceWriting . Selected writers will be contacted the week of April 28 – May 2. Writers will be chosen based on grade-level and content-area writing needs, as well as experience in developing assessments.

MDE encourages any teachers and educators interested in becoming a science item writer to apply. We MDE wants  to grow the impact teachers have on our Science MCA-IV assessment and look forward to engaging with more teachers around the state. If you have colleagues who might be interested in participating, please send them this information.

Another way to be involved in Science MCA development is to register to participate in MCA Educator Review Committees. Your input is vital in the development of items to the new science standards. We are always looking for more educators to become involved on the review process. This opportunity is open to science, math, language arts, EL and special education teachers. Please contact Science Assessment Specialists Jim Wood at jim.wood@state.mn.us  and/or Judi Iverson at judi.iverson@state.mn.us  for more information.