2024 State Testing Information

The state testing window for students in grades 3-8 is approaching. Below, you will find important information regarding each grade level’s tests and testing dates.

State Tests

M-STEP is an acronym that stands for the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress. M-STEP assessments are important because they help measure your child’s academic progress. M-STEP is completed on a device.

PSAT is the practice SAT. The paper-pencil assessment includes Math and English Language Arts. 8th-grade students complete the PSAT in preparation for the SAT in 11th grade.

• 4/16 - 8th Grade PSAT Test - more details coming soon in standalone testing newsletter!
• 4/17 - 3rd and 4th Grade M-STEP ELA Testing
• 4/18 - 5th and 6th Grade M-STEP ELA Testing
• 4/22 - 3rd and 4th Grade M-STEP Math Testing
• 4/23 - 8th Grade PSAT Make-ups
• 4/24 - 5th and 6th Grade M-STEP Math Testing
• 4/25 - 7th Grade M-STEP ELA Testing
• 4/25 - 8th Grade M-STEP Science Testing
• 4/30 - 5th Grade M-STEP Science Testing
• 5/1 - 7th Grade M-STEP Math Testing
• 5/1 - 8th Grade M-STEP Social Studies Testing
• 5/6 - 2nd Grade NWEA ELA Testing
• 5/7 - 3rd, 7th, and 8th Grade NWEA ELA Testing
• 5/8 - 4th and 6th Grade NWEA ELA Testing
• 5/9 - 5th Grade M-STEP Social Studies Testing
• 5/13 - 2nd Grade NWEA Math Testing
• 5/14 - 3rd, 7th, and 8th Grade NWEA Math Testing
• 5/15 - 4th and 6th Grade NWEA Math Testing
• 5/16 - 5th Grade NWEA ELA Testing
• 5/21 - 5th Grade NWEA Math Testing

Home Practice for State Testing

Preadministration for PSAT (filling out student identification information such as their address, school grade, birth date etc.) will occur the Monday and Tuesday of testing week for PSAT so there is less stress the day of testing.

Testing Environment

At Fortis Academy, we expect our students to do their very best on these tests and, therefore, will work hard to establish the proper conditions inside our school buildings on the days that these assessments are administered. Tests are important because they help the teacher evaluate a student’s needs and progress, the student to gauge their level of mastery, and the parent monitor their student’s progress. Families can assist their students in preparation for testing by doing the following:

• If your student has a school-issued device that will be used for state testing, please make sure it is charged the night before testing.
• Make sure your student gets a good night's sleep before the test, and make sure your student eats the day of the test properly.
• Maintain a pleasant home environment and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Try to make the morning of the test a pleasant one. Do not add to your student’s stress.
• Ensure that your student is present during testing. Students generally perform better when taking tests in their groups rather than at a make-up time.
• Get your student to school on time on the day of the test.
• Set high expectations. Students who believe that they will do well on tests tend to do so. At the same time, do not take this to a point that extreme stress is placed on your student as they enter test day.
• Wish your student good luck on the morning of the test.
• Encourage your student to do their best.
• Remind your student to listen carefully to the instructions from the teacher and to read the directions and each question carefully.
• Explain to your student the importance of using time wisely. If your student gets stuck on a question, encourage them to make the best guess and move on.
• Please note that legal names will be printed on student answer sheets and M-STEP test tickets. Demographic information is pulled from state records. If this applies to your student, it may be helpful to prepare them in advance.

We very much appreciate your support! Please feel free to contact me or your student’s dean if you have any questions!