Michigan Spring Assessments

Spring Testing in Royal Oak
Posted on 06/30/2025

Michigan Spring Assessments

Michigan's annual Spring Assessment Program uses standardized tests to measure student learning and readiness. Our Royal Oak Students have completed the spring assessments and we eagerly wait for the results so that we can begin to plan and incorporate some instructional strategies that would better support all of our students.

Key Assessments

  • M-STEP (Grades 3-8, 11): Assesses English Language Arts (ELA), Math, Science, and Social Studies.
  • PSAT (Grades 8, 9, 10): Measures ELA and Math skills. PSAT 8/9 for 8th graders is an accountability assessment.
  • Michigan Merit Examination (MME - Grade 11): Includes the SAT with Essay (college entrance and state accountability for ELA/Math), ACT WorkKeys (workplace readiness), and M-STEP Science/Social Studies.
  • MI-ACCESS (Grades 3-8, 11): Alternate assessments for students with significant cognitive impairments.
  • WIDA ACCESS for ELLs (K-12): Monitors English language proficiency for English Language Learners.
  • Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments (K-2): Evaluates foundational ELA and Math skills.

Shift to Online Testing

Michigan conducts approximately 99% of its state testing digitally. This shift means:

  • Online Platforms: Most tests are administered online, requiring students to be proficient in digital navigation.

    Technology-Enhanced Items: The online format allows for interactive question types, including AI-scored essays for M-STEP ELA.

  • Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT): M-STEP ELA and Math (grades 3-8) adjust question difficulty based on student responses for more precise measurement.
  • Security Protocols: Strict measures ensure test integrity.
  • Flexibility: Most M-STEP assessments are untimed (unlike PSAT, SAT, and WorkKeys), reducing test anxiety.

District Approach and Considerations

Our district uses these assessments to inform instruction and support student growth:

  • Data-Driven Instruction: Assessment data helps identify strengths and weaknesses, guiding curriculum adjustments and interventions.
  • Impact of COVID-19: We analyze long-term pandemic impacts, comparing current data to pre-pandemic years to understand learning recovery.
  • Student Well-being and Preparation: We prepare students for online testing and emphasize adequate rest and a positive mindset.
  • Minimal Instructional Time Impact: Assessments typically take 3-8 hours per student annually, with preparation integrated into daily learning.
  • Collaboration with Families: We partner with families to ensure student participation and readiness.