Understanding Minnesota report cards
Minnesota doesn't have one statewide report card. Each school district and charter school decides how it reports, so the words and numbers on your child's report card depend on the school. Many elementary schools use a 4-point standards-based scale, and middle and high schools usually give letter grades.
The four levels
BeginningLevel 1 of 4
Official meaning: Practice shows a first understanding of the learning standards. Most answers still need a hint or a second try.
In plain words: Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
ApproachingLevel 2 of 4
Official meaning: Practice shows a partial understanding of the learning standards. Some answers are right on the first try.
In plain words: Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practicing the tricky parts.
MeetingLevel 3 of 4
Official meaning: Practice shows a solid understanding of the learning standards. Most answers are right on the first try.
In plain words: Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
ExceedingLevel 4 of 4
Official meaning: Practice shows a deep understanding of the learning standards, including harder, unfamiliar questions.
In plain words: Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Source: Minnesota has no statewide report card. Districts choose their own, and many elementary schools use a 4-point standards-based scale like this one..
What else is on the report card
Your district decides how grades look
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) sets the K-12 Academic Standards, which say what students should learn in each grade. Your district chooses the report card, its scale and how often you hear from the school.
Many elementary schools use 1 to 4
A common pattern is 4 (exceeds the standard), 3 (meets the standard), 2 (approaching the standard) and 1 (not yet meeting the standard). A 3 is the goal for the grade. Read your child's report card key for the exact words.
Letter grades from middle school
Most middle and high schools give a letter grade for each class, often with comments on work habits.
State tests are separate
Students take the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) in reading and math in grades 3 to 8, and in science in grades 5 and 8. Results come in four levels, from Does Not Meet to Exceeds the Standards. They are separate from the report card.
Standards are being updated
Minnesota reviews each subject's standards about every ten years. New social studies standards start in the 2026-27 school year and new math standards by 2027-28, so some topics are moving between grades.
Common questions
No. Each district chooses its own. Gradelings uses four plain practice steps (Beginning, Approaching, Meeting and Exceeding) so you can see where practice stands. Match them to the words on your child's own report card.
No. Beginning means practice shows only a first understanding so far. It tells you where extra practice and a talk with the teacher will help.
They measure different things. MCA levels come from one test each spring, while practice steps show how practice is going right now. Use both as starting points for a talk with the teacher.
No. Gradelings shows how practice is going. Your child's teacher decides how they are doing on the report card.
Ask your child's teacher which benchmarks to focus on, then try short, regular practice (10 to 15 minutes). Celebrate effort and progress, not just results.