Dear Parents/Guardians of Third-Sixth 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.
Third-Sixth graders will be tested in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics using a computer. They will be assigned specific dates and times to take the M-STEP during the April 6 – May 15, 2026 online testing window. Fifth grade students have two additional testing assessments that included: Science and Social Studies Assessments. 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. Please see our latest testing schedule in the SMORE.
As parents/guardians, you play an important role in your child’s academic success. Please have your son/daughter bring his/her school device fully charged and preferred wired earbuds on the testing day(s). Please note that we will be providing basic wired earbuds to all students. Wireless is not acceptable into the testing session. 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.
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 that you may have.
Looking forward to showing our Browning Bear pride on this state assessment! Good luck and happy testing.
Best-
Principal Ciacchella
