Recent reports indicate that fewer than half of Minnesota students are meeting math and reading standards, with test scores stagnating across the state. While some districts, like Duluth and Rochester, are showing improvement and outperforming state averages, many schools are falling short. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is forming a task force to review standardized testing, as calls for reform grow amid concerns about the effectiveness of current assessment methods. The Walz administration is also seeking input from students and educators to enhance the testing process, as more families are opting out of assessments.