Assessment
Each spring, students participate in state summative assessments that are aimed at providing valuable insights into their academic knowledge and progress towards career and college readiness.
Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress
Students in grades 3-8 and 11 will take the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) state assessment.
The M-STEP measures a high set of academic standards and uses question types that reflect real-world skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving.
M-STEP tests are designed around the current Michigan State Standards, including the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics and the grade level content expectations for Science and Social Studies.
The M-STEP English language arts (ELA) and mathematics assessments are administered to students in grades 3-7, and the science and social studies assessments are administered in grades 5, 8, and 11.
i-Ready Benchmark Assessment
Students in grades 3-8 take i-Ready as our local benchmark assessment.
i-Ready is an online platform with the i-Ready Diagnostic tool and i-Ready instruction. Both programs assist in determining strengths and areas for growth, allow for personalized learning, and monitor student progress throughout the school year. I-Ready will enable teachers to meet students where they are and provide us with data to inform instruction.
The i-Ready Diagnostic is a rigorous assessment tool that adjusts questions based on student responses. Each item a student receives is based on their answer to the previous question. For example, a series of correct answers will result in slightly harder questions, while a series of incorrect answers will yield slightly easier ones. The purpose of this is not to give children a score or grade but to determine how to best support their learning.
i-Ready Instruction provides students with lessons based on their individual strengths and areas for growth. These interactive lessons offer strategic support to keep children engaged as they learn.
College Board PSAT & Michigan Merit Exam
In grades 8 through 10, students take the College Board PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10.
These assessments to measure student knowledge in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Mathematics. These assessments help prepare students for the SAT with Essay college entrance exam.
Students in 11th grade participate in the Michigan Merit Exam (MME), which comprises the SAT with Essay, ACT WorkKeys work skills assessment, and M-STEP science and social studies tests.
MI-Access Alternative Assessment
Students in grades 3-8 and 11 with significant cognitive disabilities may take the MI-Access assessment.
The MI-Access alternate assessment is designed for students whose instruction is targeted to Michigan's alternate content expectations, known as essential elements, and whose Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams have determined that general assessments, even with accommodations, are not appropriate.
MI-Access satisfies the federal requirement that all students with disabilities be assessed at the state level.