Minnetonka Ninth-Graders Score Well on GRAD Writing Test

Ninety-six percent of Minnetonka ninth-graders passed the Graduation-Required Assessment for Diploma (GRAD) writing test on their first attempt with an average score of 3.83. These results beat the statewide results of an 89 percent passing rate and average score of 3.5.

This is the first year students are required to take and pass the GRAD writing test in order to graduate from high school. The GRAD replaced the Basic Skills Test (BST).

“We’re extremely proud to see our students do so well on the test,” said Minnetonka High School Principal Dave Adney. “Whether students plan to attend college, begin a career or serve our country, the standards measured by the writing test are essential communication and expression skills for life. Results like these are a testament to the fact that our students have mastered these skills and are well-prepared for the future.”

Designed to measure whether or not a student has attained basic writing skills before graduation, the Writing GRAD assessment tests the ability to formulate and communicate a written message in English to an adult reader. Students are asked to write an essay in response to a written “prompt.” This year’s prompt asked ninth-graders to write about a time when they helped someone.

Individual scores for Minnetonka students will be posted on Minnetonka’s Skyward Family Access later this summer. Students who didn’t pass or missed the test have opportunities to retake it each year.

Following is a list of GRAD scores for Minnetonka’s neighboring districts.

2008 GRAD SCORES (Grade 9)
District % Passing Students passed
EDINA 96.7% 567
MINNETONKA 95.9% 619
WAYZATA 95.9% 799
HOPKINS 95.3% 553
CHASKA 94.4% 612
EDEN PRAIRIE 94.3% 795
STATE 89.5% 57629