Home MCA scores hold steady despite disruptions caused by Operation Metro Surge

MCA scores hold steady despite disruptions caused by Operation Metro Surge

Share on

For more information, contact:
CHRIS WILLIAMS
651-292-4816 (work) 
651-247-5539 (cell)

ST. PAUL, Minnesota., Sept. 30, 2026 – Scores on the state Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments given last spring were stable, according to the Minnesota Department of Education, despite the widespread disruptions to teaching and learning from the violent tactics used in Operation Metro Surge. 

“The scores are surprising in the context of what happened last winter,” said Monica Byron, president of Education Minnesota. “The data reflect how hard Minnesota’s educators worked to keep their classes on track while federal agents were causing chaos in the streets in many communities across Minnesota.” 

A poll of 4,460 of Education Minnesota’s 84,000 members, conducted April 27 to May 6 by Voss Research and Strategy, found that 72% were directly or indirectly affected by Operation Metro Surge. Among educators in the Twin Cities, the figure reached 93%. 

The poll documented specific disruptions: 

• 68% reported students absent from class. 
• 67% saw increased fear or anxiety among students. 
• 47% said students were noticeably withdrawn. 
• 37% said staff members were fearful or unable to come to work. 
• 53% reported staff involvement in support efforts, a further burden on educators already at risk of burnout. 

The department also reiterated Wednesday its plan, first announced Sept. 24, to convene a 28-member task force that will include educators, school leaders, parents, students and advocates to review the state’s testing and assessment framework. 

“The MCAs provide almost no instructional value, especially when we’re getting data about last year’s students a month into the new school year,” Byron said. “Our union supports the department’s review of student assessments. We hope this task force returns recommendations that will improve the quality of data and justify the enormous amount of taxpayer money and class time spent on the process every year.” 

About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.