Michigan Assessment Program
M-STEP: Michigan's State Assessment
M-STEP Overview
Michigan's Assessment System, the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP), is an online test and was developed by the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Standards and Assessment.
The M-STEP will include state summative assessments designed to measure student growth effectively for today’s students. English language arts and mathematics will be assessed in grades 3–8, science in grades 4 and 7, and social studies in grades 5 and 8. It also includes the Michigan Merit Examination in 11th grade which consists of the ACT Plus Writing, WorkKeys, and M-STEP summative in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
The Michigan Merit Examination (MME) in 11th grade consists of the SAT and WorkKeys (a work skills assessment) and the M-STEP summative assessments which will measure student growth in science, and social studies.
Our district-wide focus has been, and continues to be, effective instruction characterized by:
- positive relationships within a supportive classroom community
- relevant, engaging lessons that demonstrate the effective use of the formative assessment process (e.g., data-driven instructional decision making, timely and targeted feedback tied to learning targets, etc.)
- strategic integration of instructional technology
- research-supported grading practices and assessments that reflect the belief that all students can demonstrate mastery with appropriate time and support
- adherence to a standards-aligned curriculum
- and much more…
None of the above should be viewed in isolation or as separate initiatives. Each of us must look holistically at effective instruction if we are to make gains in student learning. It is through genuine collaboration, a passion for excellence that refuses to yield to mediocrity, and growth mindsets embodied in continuous learning that, together, we can realize our mission to become the best educational system in America.
M-STEP Scores
Please visit MiSchool Data for all state assessment scores.
Participation in State Assessment Programs for Michigan Public Schools
The MDE understands and respects the rights of parents to make all manner of choices regarding the education of their students. However, there is no official ability in state or federal law for parents to have their child 'opt out' of the assessments, without counting against their school and district’s participation rates. Please also remember that any student in a Michigan public school is being taught Michigan content standards, and this is simply an opportunity to understand their progress in learning those standards.
MDE Creates M-STEP Practice Assessment
MDE created an online practice test for students. The M-STEP practice test must be used in Google Chrome browser. Copy and paste this link into Chrome: https://wbte.drcedirect.com/MI/portals/mi/ott1.