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’ 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.
What is the Purpose of Assessment?
For Students and Families
Assessments help gauge individual progress to help build on strengths and identify areas for growth.
For Teachers
Assessments provide identification of instructional needs, determination of mastery, and evaluation of the effectiveness of units/strategies.
For Administrators
Assessments provide information about program effectiveness, areas of curricular strength and weakness, resource and staff development needs, and targets for improvement.
For All
Assessments help answer two questions:
- How am I (are we) doing?
- How can I (we) do better?
Parents Can Help Prepare Students for Assessments
- Read with your child. Ask questions that will help your child activate his/her thinking skills to improve comprehension.
- Discuss your child’s work in mathematics. Use homework as an opportunity to show the importance of math to the real world.
- Encourage your child to keep a journal and write stories. Discuss his/her writing as an interested reader, not just an editor.
On The Day of a Test
- Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep.
- Make sure your child eats a good breakfast.
- Remind your child to ask the teacher questions if he/she doesn’t understand.
- Let your child know you have confidence in his/her abilities.
- Encourage your child not to worry and to do her/his best
Assessments in Forest Hills Public Schools
The test results on your child’s 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.
NWEA Map Growth
What it is
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.
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’s question bank. In this way, each student’s test is unique. As students get questions right or wrong, the system automatically adjusts the level of difficulty, effectively finding the point along NWEA’s 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.
Why we give it
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.
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’s 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.
Who takes it and when
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.
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’s 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.
Where to learn more about your student’s results
You can learn more about MAP’s achievement and growth measures on NWEA’s Family Toolkit.
A key understanding with MAP Growth results is knowing that these tests provide both criterion-referenced information and norm-referenced information on students’ academic growth and achievement.
RIT Score
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’s performance is measured against a certain set of criteria or standards. This is called a criterion-referenced comparison.
NWEA’s 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.
Percentile
Percentiles are a way of comparing criterion-referenced scores. NWEA uses percentiles to compare each student’s 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).
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.
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’ score would fall in the 94th percentile while the 5th grade student’s score would fall in the 51st percentile.
M-STEP
What it is
M-STEP stands for the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress. The M-STEP assessments are part of the Michigan Department of Education’s comprehensive system of accountability assessments required under federal law.
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.
Why we give it
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’s general academic standards in the tested subject areas.
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.
Who takes it and when
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’s statewide accountability assessment schedule.
Students in 3rd-7th grade take M-STEP in ELA and mathematics every year.
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.
Where to learn more about your student’s results
M-STEP results are communicated in four performance levels:
- Not Proficient
- Partially Proficient
- Proficient
- Advanced
You can learn more about M-STEP results with these resources from the MDE:
Guides to Parent Reports (Includes “How to Read your Child’s Score Report”)
M-STEP: What Do the Scores Mean?
Student Testing, What Parents Can Do to Help Students Prepare
To view the recent and historical school- and district-level M-STEP results for FHPS schools, and all public and charter schools, please visit mischooldata.org.
MI-Access
What it is
MI-Access tests are part of the Michigan Department of Education’s comprehensive system of accountability assessments required under federal law.
MI-Access is Michigan’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.
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.
Why we give it
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.
Teachers and administrators use the results of these tests to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional practices and services.
Who takes it and when
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’s statewide accountability assessment schedule.
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.
Where to learn more about your student’s results
MI-Access tests are communicated in three performance levels:
1 = Emerging
2 = Attained
3 = Surpassed
You can learn more about MI-Access results with these resources from the MDE:
Michigan’s Alternate Assessment: What It Is, What It Means, and What It Offers
Parent Guide to Reports for MI-Access
To view the recent and historical school- and district-level MI-Access results for FHPS schools, and all public and charter schools, please visit mischooldata.org.
PSAT 8/9 & PSAT 10
What it is
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.
Why we give it
The Michigan Department of Education requires public schools to administer the College Board’s PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10 to students in grades 8, 9, and 10 to fulfill federal and state law requirements.
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.
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.
Who takes it and when
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’s statewide accountability assessment schedule.
Where to learn more about your student’s results
PSAT results are communicated through both a scale score and, in 8th grade, a 1-4 performance level like M-STEP results.
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:
Understanding PSAT 8/9 Scores for Students and Families
The Performance Level scores provided in 8th grade are adapted for Michigan’s accountability assessment system. You can learn more about performance level scores here:
PSAT 8/9 for Grade 8 Performance Level Information
To view the recent and historical school- and district-level PSAT results for FHPS schools, and all public and charter schools, please visit mischooldata.org.
PSAT/NMSQT
What it is
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.
Why we give it
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.
Who takes it and when
The PSAT/NMSQT is offered every year to FHPS juniors in October. Each high school independently selects and communicates its testing date.
Where to learn more about your student’s results
You can learn more about the PSAT/NMSQT scores here:
MME-SAT
What it is
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.
Why we give it
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.
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.
Who takes it and when
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’s statewide accountability assessment schedule.
Where to learn more about your student’s results
You can learn more about the MME assessments here:
SAT with Essay – Understanding Scores for Students and Families
What Do My Scores Mean? – SAT Suite
M-STEP: What Do the Scores Mean?
ACT WorkKeys Parent and Student Resources
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 mischooldata.org.
STAMP
What it is
STAMP (STAndards-based Measurement of Proficiency) are standardized language proficiency tests. The tests have four components: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
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 Avant Assessment. STAMP tests are available in multiple languages.
Why we give it
STAMP tests are given to students in the district’s Spanish and Mandarin language immersion program to monitor and report on individual student growth in the target language and overall program performance.
Who takes it and when
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.
The timing of STAMP tests is determined by immersion teachers and the program director, but generally occur in early spring.
STAMP is also offered as an optional assessment for any junior and senior student in the district’s immersion programs, world language courses, or native/heritage speakers interested in using the results in an application for the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy.
Where to learn more about your student’s results
STAMP results are communicated through a numerical scale (1-9) for each test component (e.g., reading, speaking, etc.). The scale’s 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 ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.
It is important to note that the STAMP 4Se is an adaptation of the STAMP 4S with content that is appropriate for elementary students. Although results are communicated with the same scale, they are different tests and the results should not be compared.
You can learn more about STAMP assessment here:
STAMP 4S Parent Guide | Avant Assessment
STAMP Benchmarks & Rubric Guide | Avant Assessment
You can learn more about applying for the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy through FHPS here:
Michigan SoBL Informational Slide Deck 2025-26
WIDA ACCESS and WIDA Screener
What it is
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 WIDA Consortium at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
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.
Why we give it
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’s accountability assessment system.
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.
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.
Who takes it and when
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.
Where to learn more about your student’s results
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’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.
Here is a sample WIDA ACCESS report from WIDA.
WIDA Can-Do Descriptors are useful for understanding what students “can do” with English at different WIDA levels.
You can learn more about WIDA assessments from the Michigan Department of Education’s WIDA Parent/Family Guides:
