{"id":59372,"date":"2021-01-29T13:48:12","date_gmt":"2021-01-29T18:48:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fhps.net\/?page_id=59372"},"modified":"2025-08-28T17:51:32","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T21:51:32","slug":"assessment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.fhps.net\/departments\/instruction\/assessment\/","title":{"rendered":"Assessment"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"background: #1b365d; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2em; border-top-left-radius: 2rem; border-bottom-right-radius: 4rem;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 2em .5em;\"><span style=\"font-size: 24px; color: #fff;\">When Data Drives Instruction<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Coordination of all district, state, and national assessments is facilitated through the Instruction Office. Forest Hills teachers use multiple types of assessment to support students\u2019 academic growth and development. Administrators and district staff use assessment results to continually improve instructional practices and ensure our curriculum meets or exceeds state and federal expectations.<\/p>\n<h1><strong>What is the Purpose of Assessment?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h2><b>For Students and Families<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assessments help gauge individual progress to help build on strengths and identify areas for growth.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>For Teachers<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assessments provide identification of instructional needs, determination of mastery, and evaluation of the effectiveness of units\/strategies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>For Administrators<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assessments provide information about program effectiveness, areas of curricular strength and weakness, resource and staff development needs, and targets for improvement.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>For All<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assessments help answer two questions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> How am I (are we) doing?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> How can I (we) do better?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parents Can Help Prepare Students for Assessments<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read with your child. Ask questions that will help your child activate his\/her thinking skills to improve comprehension.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discuss your child&#8217;s work in mathematics. Use homework as an opportunity to show the importance of math to the real world.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encourage your child to keep a journal and write stories. Discuss his\/her writing as an interested reader, not just an editor.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On The Day of a Test<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure your child gets a good night&#8217;s sleep.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure your child eats a good breakfast.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remind your child to ask the teacher questions if he\/she doesn&#8217;t understand.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let your child know you have confidence in his\/her abilities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encourage your child not to worry and to do her\/his best<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Assessments in Forest Hills Public Schools<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The test results on your child\u2019s PowerSchool Parent Portal represent some of the key district and state assessments. Which results are displayed will vary by grade level and program pathway. This web page provides information and links to additional resources on the assessments that students and families might see in their PS portal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"district-thin-rounded-leaf-heading\">NWEA Map Growth<\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What it is<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MAP Growth assessments are computer-adaptive standardized tests in reading, math, and English language conventions or usage. Each test has between 43-48 questions and, although the tests are not timed, they generally take students 40-60 minutes to complete. These tests can be paused and continued to accommodate students and schedules.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this type of computer-adaptive test, each time a student answers a question, the system records their answer and selects another question from NWEA\u2019s question bank. In this way, each student\u2019s test is unique. As students get questions right or wrong, the system automatically adjusts the level of difficulty, effectively finding the point along NWEA\u2019s progression of learning each student has reached. Although the MAP tests align with State of Michigan academic standards and subject-area skills, the difficulty of the questions are not bound by grade level. Students can be presented with questions that are above or below grade level depending upon how they are performing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why we give it<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NWEA statistics help teachers use results from MAP Growth tests to predict whether their students are on-track to achieve grade-level proficiency with State of Michigan academic standards. (See M-STEP and PSAT below.) This helps teachers make instructional decisions to benefit every student. Teachers may arrange for or provide supplemental instructional support when a student is at-risk of not meeting proficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because MAP Growth tests are not bound by grade level, each time a student takes a MAP test, the system remembers who they are and what their previous achievement level was, then starts the test accordingly. This creates a continuous record of each student\u2019s academic growth over the course of the school year and across multiple years. This provides information that is useful for students, teachers, principals, and families alike.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who takes it and when<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MAP Growth tests are given to FHPS students in kindergarten through 8th grade three times each school year. The fall window generally opens in the second week of school, while the winter and spring windows open a few weeks before the winter and spring break, respectively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reading and math tests are required by the district, while the English language usage test is optional for teachers who would like more information. K-4th grade students in the district\u2019s Spanish language immersion program take MAP Growth reading and writing in Spanish. Eighth grade students taking Algebra 1 take the Algebra 1 MAP Growth test.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where to learn more about your student&#8217;s results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can learn more about MAP\u2019s achievement and growth measures on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/family-toolkit\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NWEA\u2019s Family Toolkit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A key understanding with MAP Growth results is knowing that these tests provide both criterion-referenced information and norm-referenced information on students&#8217; academic growth and achievement.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RIT Score<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like most standardized tests, MAP uses a numeric scale to communicate how a student has performed (e.g., ACT or SAT). Each point on the scale represents a different level of knowledge or skill according to how the test is designed to measure it. In this way, a student\u2019s performance is measured against a certain set of criteria or standards. This is called a criterion-referenced comparison.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NWEA\u2019s RIT scale is unique in that it is continuous across grade levels. So, for example, a 3rd grade student who scores a 209 has achieved the same level of knowledge and skill as a 5th grade student with the same score.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Percentile<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Percentiles are a way of comparing criterion-referenced scores. NWEA uses percentiles to compare each student\u2019s RIT score against those of other students in that grade level at that time of year and in that subject (e.g., reading or math).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Percentiles range from 1 to 99. A student with a RIT score in the 99th percentile has achieved a score higher than 99% of comparable students, while a student with a RIT score in the 50th percentile has achieved a score higher than 50% of comparable students and lower than 50% of comparable students. In other words, the 50th percentile always represents the average performance level in a comparative group.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Percentile performance changes according to grade level and time of year. For comparison, using the previous example of the 3rd and 5th grade students both with RIT scores of 209, the 3rd graders\u2019 score would fall in the 94th percentile while the 5th grade student\u2019s score would fall in the 51st percentile.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"district-thin-rounded-leaf-heading\">M-STEP<\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What it is<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">M-STEP stands for the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress. The M-STEP assessments are part of the Michigan Department of Education\u2019s comprehensive system of accountability assessments required under federal law.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">M-STEP are standardized computer-based assessments consisting of approximately 30-50 questions depending upon the grade level and subject area. Tests are not timed, but generally take 1 to 2 hours each to complete. Individual tests can be completed over multiple days.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why we give it<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">M-STEP results provide schools, districts, and families with information about how their students are performing in relation to expectations of what they should know and be able to do with Michigan\u2019s general academic standards in the tested subject areas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teachers and administrators use the results of these tests to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional practices and services as well as to identify students who might be eligible for certain programs. M-STEP assessments are part of the Michigan Department of Education accountability system required under federal law and the results are used to report overall performance of all public and charter schools to the public.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who takes it and when<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are M-STEP tests in four subject areas: English language arts (ELA), mathematics, science, and social studies. M-STEP tests are given in April of every school year according to the Michigan Department of Education\u2019s statewide accountability assessment schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students in 3rd-7th grade take M-STEP in ELA and mathematics every year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students in 5th, 8th, and 11th grade take M-STEP in science and social studies. M-STEP is also offered to 12th grade students who missed the opportunity to take them in 11th grade.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where to learn more about your student&#8217;s results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">M-STEP results are communicated in four performance levels:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not Proficient<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Partially Proficient<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proficient<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advanced<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can learn more about M-STEP results with these resources from the MDE:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/services\/student-assessment\/m-step\/parentstudent-information\/guide-to-parent-reports\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guides to Parent Reports<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Includes \u201cHow to Read your Child\u2019s Score Report\u201d)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/-\/media\/Project\/Websites\/mde\/OEAA\/M-STEP\/M-STEP-WhatDoTheScoresMean.pdf?rev=0c253c9aae14445484e394c1a25ac3b2&amp;hash=4A788B00673267426AA47BC01C2ECCA6\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">M-STEP: What Do the Scores Mean?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/-\/media\/Project\/Websites\/mde\/OEAA\/General\/Student_Testing_What_Parents_Can_Do_to_Help_Students_Prepare.pdf?rev=35660671b64640b5bcf77e34a649b18f&amp;hash=08A4E05983919D2E9C571455E1E08744\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Student Testing, What Parents Can Do to Help Students Prepare<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To view the recent and historical school- and district-level M-STEP results for FHPS schools, and all public and charter schools, please visit <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/mischooldata.org\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mischooldata.org<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"district-thin-rounded-leaf-heading\">MI-Access<\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What it is<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MI-Access tests are part of the Michigan Department of Education\u2019s comprehensive system of accountability assessments required under federal law.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MI-Access is Michigan&#8217;s alternate standardized assessment system for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, whose IEP (Individualized Education Program) team has determined that general assessments such as M-STEP, even with accommodations, are not appropriate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are three levels of MI-Access tests in various subjects. Functional Independence level tests are taken by students on a computer, while the Supported Independence and Participation levels are taken by students through proctors who observe and record their responses to questions electronically. All MI-Access tests are untimed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why we give it<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MI-Access results provide schools, districts, and families with information about how their students are performing in relation to academic content standards. These standards are aligned to general Michigan Academic Standards, but have been extended to provide meaningful access for all students taking MI-Access.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teachers and administrators use the results of these tests to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional practices and services.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who takes it and when<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MI-Access tests are given in four subject areas: English language arts (ELA), mathematics, science, and social studies. The tests are given in April-May of every school year according to the Michigan Department of Education\u2019s statewide accountability assessment schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MI-Access tests are taken by students in 3rd-8th grade and 11th grade with tests in ELA and mathematics given every year and tests in science and social studies given in only 5th, 8th, and 11th grade. MI-Access Participation level tests do not have a social studies component. FHPS uses a district-developed test to assess performance in this subject area for students taking MI-Access at the Participation level.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where to learn more about your student&#8217;s results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MI-Access tests are communicated in three performance levels:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 = Emerging<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 = Attained<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3 = Surpassed<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can learn more about MI-Access results with these resources from the MDE:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/-\/media\/Project\/Websites\/mde\/OEAA\/MI-Access\/MIAccess-Michigans-Alternate-Assessment--What-It-Is-What-It-Means-and-What-It-Offers.pdf?rev=4947dae77c744fafb523b3612c4e5364&amp;hash=72DEEF45EA6DD94EE1A9D326527D49DA\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michigan&#8217;s Alternate Assessment: What It Is, What It Means, and What It Offers<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/services\/student-assessment\/mi-access\/parent-student\/parent-guide-to-reports-for-mi-access\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parent Guide to Reports for MI-Access<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To view the recent and historical school- and district-level MI-Access results for FHPS schools, and all public and charter schools, please visit <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/mischooldata.org\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mischooldata.org<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"district-thin-rounded-leaf-heading\">PSAT 8\/9 &amp; PSAT 10<\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What it is<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The PSAT 8\/9 and PSAT 10 are the first in a suite of standardized college-readiness assessments created and published by College Board and culminating in the SAT exam. The tests have two sections: Evidence-based reading\/writing and mathematics. The tests are all timed and, in 2023, transitioned from paper\/pencil to online.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why we give it<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Michigan Department of Education requires public schools to administer the College Board&#8217;s PSAT 8\/9 and PSAT 10 to students in grades 8, 9, and 10 to fulfill federal and state law requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teachers and administrators use the results of these tests to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional practices and services. Students and families find the results useful for future college planning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 8th grade PSAT assessments are part of the Michigan Department of Education accountability system required under federal law and the results are used to report overall performance of all public and charter schools to the public. The 9th and 10th grade administrations of the test comply with state law.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who takes it and when<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PSAT 8\/9 is given to 8th grade students in combination with the M-STEP science and social studies tests. It is given again by itself to students in 9th grade while PSAT 10 is given to students in 10th grade. The tests are administered every spring in accordance with the Michigan Department of Education\u2019s statewide accountability assessment schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where to learn more about your student&#8217;s results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PSAT results are communicated through both a scale score and, in 8th grade, a 1-4 performance level like M-STEP results.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The PSAT scale is continuous through each College Board assessment up through the SAT, providing a longitudinal view of student growth and achievement. You can learn more about the scale scores here:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/satsuite.collegeboard.org\/scores\/in-school-testing\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In-School Testing Scores<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/satsuite.collegeboard.org\/media\/pdf\/psat-8-9-understanding-scores.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding PSAT 8\/9 Scores for Students and Families<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Performance Level scores provided in 8th grade are adapted for Michigan\u2019s accountability assessment system. You can learn more about performance level scores here:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/-\/media\/Project\/Websites\/mde\/OEAA\/PSAT\/PSAT-8_9-for-Grade-8-Performance-Level-Information.pdf?rev=dcfc1157b6324ab387ee1ce539680a9f&amp;hash=B0C6DC938670FC09419D1B07EAD3C258\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PSAT 8\/9 for Grade 8 Performance Level Information<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To view the recent and historical school- and district-level PSAT results for FHPS schools, and all public and charter schools, please visit <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/mischooldata.org\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mischooldata.org<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"district-thin-rounded-leaf-heading\">PSAT\/NMSQT<\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What it is<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The PSAT\/NMSQT is part of the suite of standardized college-readiness assessments created and published by College Board culminating in the SAT exam. Results of this test can qualify students for National Merit scholarships. The test has two sections: Evidence-based reading\/writing and mathematics. The test is timed and, in 2023, transitioned from paper\/pencil to online.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why we give it<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to potentially qualifying students for scholarships, the PSAT\/NMSQT provides students, their families, and teachers useful information in final preparation for the SAT exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who takes it and when<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The PSAT\/NMSQT is offered every year to FHPS juniors in October. Each high school independently selects and communicates its testing date.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where to learn more about your student&#8217;s results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can learn more about the PSAT\/NMSQT scores here:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/satsuite.collegeboard.org\/psat-nmsqt\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The PSAT\/NMSQT<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"district-thin-rounded-leaf-heading\">MME-SAT<\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What it is<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Michigan Merit Exam (MME) is a collection of four different standardized assessments that all public and charter school students are required to take in the spring of their junior year of high school. The MME consists of the SAT plus Essay, M-STEP Science, M-STEP Social Studies, and ACT Workkeys. The SAT and Workkeys are timed tests, while the M-STEP is untimed. Only ACT Workkeys is still delivered in paper\/pencil format. All others are taken by students online.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why we give it<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MME assessments are part of the Michigan Department of Education accountability system required under state and federal law. The results are used to report overall performance of all public and charter schools to the public.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teachers and administrators use the results of these tests to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional practices and services. The results are useful to students and families for future college or career planning and employment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who takes it and when<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The MME is to 11th grade students each spring and to 12th grade students who did not have the opportunity to take it in their junior year. The assessments are given over the course of several weeks in accordance with the Michigan Department of Education\u2019s statewide accountability assessment schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where to learn more about your student&#8217;s results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can learn more about the MME assessments here:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/-\/media\/Project\/Websites\/mde\/OEAA\/MME\/SAT-Suite\/SAT-with-Essay-Understanding-Scores-for-Students-and-Families.pdf?rev=e1fdb81a23f8448899e725bc2b9b9da4&amp;hash=591FFAC00C55A0EE7AA0D9A88D8BEDDA\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SAT with Essay &#8211; Understanding Scores for Students and Families<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/satsuite.collegeboard.org\/scores\/what-scores-mean\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Do My Scores Mean? \u2013 SAT Suite<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/satsuite.collegeboard.org\/scores\/in-school-testing\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In-School Testing Scores<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/-\/media\/Project\/Websites\/mde\/OEAA\/M-STEP\/M-STEP-WhatDoTheScoresMean.pdf?rev=0c253c9aae14445484e394c1a25ac3b2&amp;hash=4A788B00673267426AA47BC01C2ECCA6\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">M-STEP: What Do the Scores Mean?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/services\/student-assessment\/michigan-merit-examination-mme\/act-workkeys-parent-and-student-resources\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACT WorkKeys Parent and Student Resources<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To view the recent and historical school- and district-level SAT and M-STEP results for FHPS schools, and all public and charter schools, please visit <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/mischooldata.org\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mischooldata.org<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"district-thin-rounded-leaf-heading\">STAMP<\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What it is<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">STAMP (STAndards-based Measurement of Proficiency) are standardized language proficiency tests. The tests have four components: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">STAMP was originally developed by the Center for Applied Second Language Studies (CASLS), a National Foreign Language Resource Center at the University of Oregon and funded by the US Department of Education. It was later adapted and is delivered by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.avantassessment.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avant Assessment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. STAMP tests are available in multiple languages.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why we give it<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">STAMP tests are given to students in the district\u2019s Spanish and Mandarin language immersion program to monitor and report on individual student growth in the target language and overall program performance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who takes it and when<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">STAMP assessments are given to immersion students in every even grade from 2nd grade through 10th grade. Spanish immersion students take STAMP 4Se in 2nd through 6th grade and STAMP 4S in 8th and 10th grade. Mandarin immersion students take STAMP 4Se in 2nd through 8th grade and STAMP 4S in 10th grade.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The timing of STAMP tests is determined by immersion teachers and the program director, but generally occur in early spring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">STAMP is also offered as an optional assessment for any junior and senior student in the district\u2019s immersion programs, world language courses, or native\/heritage speakers interested in using the results in an application for the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where to learn more about your student&#8217;s results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">STAMP results are communicated through a numerical scale (1-9) for each test component (e.g., reading, speaking, etc.). The scale\u2019s benchmark levels are grouped by major levels (Novice, Intermediate and Advanced). Within each major level are three sub-levels (low, mid, high) aligned to the internationally-recognized <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.actfl.org\/uploads\/files\/general\/Resources-Publications\/ACTFL_Proficiency_Guidelines_2024.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is important to note that the STAMP 4Se is an adaptation of the STAMP 4S with content that is appropriate for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">elementary students<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Although results are communicated with the same scale, they are different tests and the results should not be compared.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can learn more about STAMP assessment here:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.avantassessment.com\/guides\/parent\/stamp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">STAMP 4S Parent Guide | Avant Assessment<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.avantassessment.com\/guides\/benchmark-rubric\/stamp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">STAMP Benchmarks &amp; Rubric Guide | Avant Assessment<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can learn more about applying for the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy through FHPS here:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/presentation\/d\/1SCdRkOesV7wofWxZ7rvf_8YKNp1VkMIxgwmfKchP8uM\/edit?usp=drive_link\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michigan SoBL Informational Slide Deck 2025-26<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"district-thin-rounded-leaf-heading\">WIDA ACCESS and WIDA Screener<\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What it is<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WIDA ACCESS and WIDA Screener are standardized language tests of English proficiency. The tests have four components: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. WIDA tests were developed by the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wida.wisc.edu\/about\/mission-history\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WIDA Consortium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at the University of Wisconsin &#8211; Madison.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WIDA ACCESS is given annually to K-12 public and charter school students who are receiving or are eligible to receive English language instructional services. The WIDA Screener is given only to newly enrolled students.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why we give it<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WIDA ACCESS is given to K-12 public and charter school students in Michigan to monitor the English language development progress of students who have been officially identified as English learners (ELs). WIDA is required under state and federal law as part of Michigan\u2019s accountability assessment system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teachers and administrators use the results to monitor the progress of individual students and to determine levels of English support needed. The aggregated results can provide insight into the effectiveness of English language assistance programs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The WIDA Screener is used by schools to measure the English language proficiency of newly enrolled students when parents\/guardians indicate the primary language used in the home is another language and the student has no prior history of receiving EL services. This occurs most frequently with students who have recently arrived in the U.S. or are entering kindergarten. Results from the WIDA Screener determine whether or not a child is in need of English language instructional services.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who takes it and when<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WIDA ACCESS is given over the course of several days in February and March each year. Once a student has achieved an overall score of 4.8, they are considered English proficient and are exited from EL services. Reclassified students are monitored for four years to ensure they are successful without English supports.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where to learn more about your student&#8217;s results<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parents\/guardians, teachers and students are provided with a detailed score report several months after the test is taken. The report gives information about a student&#8217;s proficiency level, and it also gives guidance for what academic tasks the student can reasonably do at that particular stage in their language development.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wida.wisc.edu\/resources\/sample-access-ells-individual-score-report-english\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sample WIDA ACCESS report<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from WIDA.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wida.wisc.edu\/teach\/can-do\/descriptors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WIDA Can-Do Descriptors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are useful for understanding what students \u201ccan do\u201d with English at different WIDA levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can learn more about WIDA assessments from the Michigan Department of Education\u2019s WIDA Parent\/Family Guides:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/-\/media\/Project\/Websites\/mde\/OEAA\/WIDA-Assessments\/WIDA-Parent-Guide-2025.pdf?rev=888dff8abdba4e30911a94658921c123&amp;hash=01088854FDAADAA68BC8D76FC9F0C7BC\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">English<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/documents\/mde\/WIDA_Parent_Guide_-_Spanish_746010_7.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spanish<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/documents\/mde\/WIDA_Parent_Guide_-_Arabic_746009_7.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arabic<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When Data Drives Instruction Coordination of all district, state, and national assessments is facilitated through the Instruction Office. Forest Hills teachers use multiple types of assessment to support students\u2019 academic growth and development. Administrators and district staff use assessment results to continually improve instructional practices and ensure our curriculum meets or exceeds state and federal [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":116,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-department.php","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-59372","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","5":"entry"},"better_featured_image":null,"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v19.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Assessment - Instruction Department - Forest Hills Public Schools<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhps.net\/departments\/instruction\/assessment\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Assessment - Instruction Department - Forest Hills Public Schools\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"When Data Drives Instruction Coordination of all district, state, and national assessments is facilitated through the Instruction Office. 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