Dear Parents/Guardians of Fourth Graders,

All students enrolled in Michigan schools in grades 3-8 and 11 will take the M-STEP (Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress) assessment. The M-STEP measures your student's growth and progress on the Michigan Academic Standards. Those standards are available at this web site: www.Michigan.gov/academicstandards.

Fourth graders will be tested in English language arts and mathematics using a computer. They will be assigned specific dates and times to take the M-STEP during the April 10 – May 19, 2023, online testing window. The M-STEP will provide an accurate view of your child’s achievement levels and learning needs to help us identify areas where we can improve instruction and teaching. Our 4th graders will be testing on the following days:

April 26th- English Language Arts M-Step

May 10th- Math M-Step

As parents/guardians, you play an important role in your child’s academic success. Please have your son/daughter bring his/her school device and earbuds on the testing day(s).

We are asking your help to ensure he/she is prepared for this new online assessment series.

Here is what you can do:

· Encourage your child to approach the M-STEP with a positive attitude.

· Ensure your child gets plenty of rest the night before, has a good breakfast and comes to school on time each day.

· Review the UCS Electronic Device Use Protocol for Statewide Testing.

Your child’s attendance is vital to his/her achievement. In addition, full attendance is necessary for all schools to meet state participation requirements. Additionally, a letter from State Superintendent, Dr. Michael Rice, explains the assessments and participation: State Superintendent letter.

To learn more about the M-STEP assessments, please visit the Michigan Department of Education Web site: http://www.michigan.gov/mde.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Tepper