As you know, this spring we will give the M-Step to our students in grades 3-8 and 11. There are multiple shifts in what and how our students will test and you play an important role in the process. This update includes information and resources for math, ELA and technology preparation.

You are encouraged to work collaboratively with your colleagues, including classroom teachers and media specialists, to thoughtfully give your kids the experiences that set them up for success while authentically incorporating it into the curriculum. Continue to ask learners to build on their understanding, think deeply and make connections in their learning. These practices allow our learners to grow and will be utilized in testing and beyond.

Thank you for your time and thoughtfulness!

Staci Puzio

Administrator of Instructional Technology, Testing and Program Evaluation

There is a sample classroom activity and performance task for each grade level for both ELA and mathematics. While these samples do not have the performance task online, as on the M-Step, the practice of multiple readings and writing about it or doing a multi-step math task gives students the idea of the depth of expectations.

Classroom activities, performance tasks and worksheets can be found here: http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-22709_70117_70118---,00.html

There are practice items available for students. The Online Tools Training will give students the understanding of the tools that will be available for testing. There are Sample Item Sets for each grade level for ELA and mathematics, as well as Calculator Practice (available for only 6-8 and 11 - there are NO calculators to be used for grades 3-5).

PRACTICE on these things as a teacher first to anticipate the needs of your students. The Spring 2015 Preview is important as it is the only place that the tools are explained. Students will have access to the tools, though not explanations for how to utilize them during the M-Step testing.

As teachers, you may want to model these things to the whole class and then let students use the tools on computers. Please note that the Chromebooks in buildings have the testing software loaded and these practice sessions are available there. Here are the instructions for how to access these on Chromebooks:

MStep Online Tools

You may also access them here in a CHROME browser: https://wbte.drcedirect.com/MI/portals/mi/ott1.