State test data shows growth at Marshall Schools

Superintendent notes strong math, reading scores in some grades

MARSHALL -- Statewide test results released this fall showed students at Marshall Public Schools demonstrated growth in subjects like math and reading, MPS Superintendent Jeremy Williams said.

Williams said the district's math results were noteworthy with Marshall students outperforming average state proficiency at a few different grade levels. The strongest math performance was in eighth grade, where 61.5% of students met proficiency standards, compared to the state average of 42.3%.

“We are extremely proud of our students and staff,” Williams said in a news release. “Our mathematics results demonstrate what is possible when talented educators, supportive families, and hardworking students come together with a clear focus on learning.”

Other area school districts, including Minneota and Tracy Area Schools, also had test results showing student proficiency rates above the state average, according to data on the Minnesota Department of Education's Minnesota Report Card website.

The MDE released 2026 statewide assessment results on Wednesday. MDE spokespeople said this year's test results reflect the first year of using an updated reading test based on new standards. Students took the MCA-IV reading test for the first time. They also took the MCA-IV science test and the MCA III math test.

Education Commissioner Willie Jett said Minnesota students showed resilience in their scores on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA). Test scores remained stable across grade levels and subjects, the MDE said.

"We're asking more of our students and teachers," Jett said in a news release. "In this data, we see the hard work Minnesota educators are doing to create safe and supportive learning environments and implement new, rigorous standards. We see where students are on their journey toward meeting those standards. And we see the potential for growth. The baseline students have set is encouraging, and Minnesota Department of Education is here to continue supporting educators and students."

Looking at all 2026 test results district-wide, MPS students' math proficiency was 47.6%, compared to a state average of 44.9%. District-wide, proficiencies in reading and science were below the state average, with rates of 41.4% in reading and 22.8% in science.

However, breaking the data down into grade levels showed strong performance and growth among some age groups of Marshall students, Williams said. In math, students in grades 7 and 8 were proficient at rates well above the state average. At MPS, 51.6% of seventh grade students were proficient in math, compared to a state average of 40.3%, and 61.5% of eighth graders were proficient in math compared to a 42.3% state average.

In reading, proficiency rates for third grade students increased from 42.6% to 47.5% this year, and fourth grade reading proficiency increased to 50%, Williams said. He said those outcomes were encouraging, because they came as Minnesota implemented new reading standards. Because of the Minnesota READ Act, MPS has invested in evidence-based reading instruction and early intervention support for students, he said.

“We know that improving literacy outcomes is a journey, and we are confident that the work happening in our classrooms each day is building a strong foundation for future success,” Williams said. “Our students are demonstrating growth in the essential skills that lead to strong readers, and we expect those investments to continue producing results in the years ahead.”

Some area school districts showed proficiency rates above the state average in math, reading and science. District-wide, 60.3% of Minneota Public Schools students showed proficiency in math, compared to a state average of 44.9% Reading proficiency was at 59.5%, compared to an average of 48.6%, and science proficiency was at 39.7%, compared to an average of 25.5%.

Tracy Area Schools also showed above-average proficiency rates across the board. In math, 46.7% of students met proficiency levels. Proficiency rates in reading were 51.4%, and in science proficiency rates were 33.3%. Both math and science proficiency rates at Tracy Area Schools were up from 2025, MDE data said.

At the Lakeview School District, proficiency rates were above the state average in math and reading at 52.4% and 51%. Science proficiency was close to the state average at 25.1%.

District-wide, Russell-Tyler-Ruthton proficiency rates in science were above the state average at 30.1%. RTR had a math proficiency rate of 42%, and a reading proficiency rate of 46.2%.

More information on school district demographics, and information like graduation rates and state test results, can be accessed online at the MDE's Minnesota Report Card website, https://rc.education.mn.gov.