Taking the survey

All schools are encouraged to participate in the survey, however participation is not mandatory. This includes public, nonpublic, charter and tribal schools, as well as alternative learning centers and juvenile correctional facilities. No financial incentives are offered to districts, schools or students. Students in grades 5, 8, 9, and 11 are eligible to take the survey, and schools may choose to include additional grades (6, 7, 10, and 12) if they wish. In 2022, over 135,000 Minnesota students in grades 5, 8, 9, and 11 participated in the survey.

How are schools invited to take the survey?

At the beginning of the school year, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) sends emails to superintendents, principals and District Assessment Coordinators (DACs) with details about the survey and instructions for registering their schools for that year's administration of the MSS. Schools are directed to an online registration system where they can indicate the grades they wish to survey, the planned administration date, and the expected number of students per grade. After registering, schools receive instructions for administering the survey. Additionally, MDE staff, local public health representatives and others who rely on MSS data follow up with non-registered schools to encourage their participation. Schools have until one week before the end of the fielding period to complete their registration.

Timeline

  • July 2024: MSS Interagency Team reviews survey items for the 2025 survey. MDE begins developing the MSS registration system and online survey.
  • September 2024: The Minnesota Department of Education notifies superintendents and district assessment coordinators about the 2025 MSS and their obligations under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment.
  • October 2024: Copies of the 2025 survey instruments and sample notification letters (in English, Spanish, Hmong and Somali) are provided to districts.
  • November 2024: Registration opens for schools to sign-up for the 2025 MSS.
  • January-June 2025: Schools administer the survey on any date(s) during this window. Schools must provide parents and guardians the opportunity to opt their child out of the MSS at least two weeks prior to conducting the survey.
  • May 2025: Schools who complete data collection in early March receive an executive summary of findings.