Just the facts

Minnesota is trotting out the state's first large-scale online tests, beginning this month.

Q When are the online science tests given?

A Schools can set dates between April 28 and May 23.

Q Who takes the test?

A Students in the fifth and eighth grades and high school students taking biology.

Q How many Minnesota students will take the test?

A An estimated 180,000 to 190,000 students will take the exam.

Q How many schools are giving the exam?

A 525 school districts and charter schools are participating.

Q Why give online tests?

A State officials want to eventually move to giving all tests online, which they say will result in quicker scoring and aligns with how students learn. But moving to online tests in reading and math is considered several years away.

JAMES WALSH