MN schools will remain closed, but limited in-person testing will be allowed

Gov. Tim Walz has ordered the state’s public K-12 schools to stay closed for the rest of the academic year, but new guidance from state officials will allow schools to bring students back for year-end assessments that can’t be completed remotely, according to the Pioneer Press. 

Education Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker said Wednesday that for courses requiring hands-on evaluations, school districts can allow students to demonstrate their abilities at school despite the closure.

She said schools should prioritize graduating seniors and those whose courses can lead to workforce credentials in health care or child care/early learning.

Schools also can bring students in to measure their language skills for seals of biliteracy, which multilingual students can apply toward college credit.

Guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health must be adhered to by school districts or charter schools using their buildings for these specific in-person assessments and hands-on course completion requirements.