Sturgis Public Schools

Student Assessment & Progress

Student learning is about more than a single test, it's about growth over time. At Sturgis Public Schools, we use classroom assessments, district benchmarks, and state assessments to monitor progress, celebrate achievement, and guide instruction. This page provides families with helpful resources, including PowerSchool access, assessment calendars, testing information, and answers to common questions, so you can stay informed and support your child's learning every step of the way.

Our Assessment Philosophy

At Sturgis Public Schools, assessments are tools that help us understand each student's strengths, monitor growth, and provide the support needed for success. Throughout the year your students may participate in the following:

Classroom assessments
Benchmark Assessments (3x/year)
State Assessments
College Readiness Assessments

Assessment Timelines

Assessment Throughout the School Year

Marking Period 1	STAR
Marking Period 2/3	STAR
Marking Period 4	STAR MSTEP PSAT/SAT WIN Readines

Assessment by Grade Level

Grade Level	Assessments
K-2	STAR Reading & Math
3-7	STAR & MSTEP
8	STAR, PSAT 8/9, & M-STEP
9	PSAT 9
10	PSAT 10
11	SAT, WIN Readiness, &M-STEP Science/Social Studies

Why Do Students Take Assessments?

Measure Growth

Guide Instruction

Identify Support

Celebrate Success

Types of Assessments

These help the classroom teacher measure whether the day-to-day material covered is being learned or not. Sometimes these are referred to as Quizzes, Chapter tests or Unit tests. For example, a math teacher would need to know if their students have mastered basic division before moving on to fractions.

Sturgis Public Schools uses Renaissance STAR Reading and STAR Math as its benchmark assessments to monitor student growth and academic progress three times each school year. These adaptive assessments adjust the difficulty of each question based on a student's responses, providing teachers with meaningful insights into each learner's current skills and instructional needs.

Benchmark assessment results help teachers personalize instruction, celebrate student growth, and identify areas where additional support may be needed. Districtwide results also help evaluate the effectiveness of curriculum and instructional practices, ensuring every student receives a high-quality education and the support they need to succeed.

MI-Access is Michigan's alternate state assessment for eligible students with significant cognitive disabilities. Participation is determined by a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to ensure the assessment best matches the student's learning needs.

In November 2021, Michigan adopted the World-Class Instructional Design & Assessment (WIDA) standards for English language learners (ELLs). Our district conducts WIDA testing for ELLs to ensure our students are achieving milestones in their learning once per year.

To learn more about the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP), visit M-STEP What It Is - What It Means - What It Offers.

For more detailed information regarding the M-STEP that is given to students in grades 3-8 and 11, visit Michigan Department of Education (MDE) M-STEP.

To learn more about your student's M-STEP scores and how to help your student, the Michigan Department of Education has developed the Starting Smarter website.

Beginning April 2016, Michigan began using the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) as part of the Michigan Merit Examination (MME). The State also offers the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) 8/9 and PSAT 10 to 9th and 10th grade students free of charge each April. For additional information about the SAT and PSAT, including student practice tests, please visit College Board.

The WIN Career Readiness Assessment measures the workplace skills employers value most, including applied mathematics, reading for information, and locating information. Results help 11^th grade students identify their strengths, prepare for future careers, and work toward earning recognized career readiness credentials that demonstrate their skills to colleges and employers.

These help the classroom teacher measure whether the day-to-day material covered is being learned or not. Sometimes these are referred to as Quizzes, Chapter tests or Unit tests. For example, a math teacher would need to know if their students have mastered basic division before moving on to fractions.
Sturgis Public Schools uses Renaissance STAR Reading and STAR Math as its benchmark assessments to monitor student growth and academic progress three times each school year. These adaptive assessments adjust the difficulty of each question based on a student's responses, providing teachers with meaningful insights into each learner's current skills and instructional needs.

Benchmark assessment results help teachers personalize instruction, celebrate student growth, and identify areas where additional support may be needed. Districtwide results also help evaluate the effectiveness of curriculum and instructional practices, ensuring every student receives a high-quality education and the support they need to succeed.
MI-Access is Michigan's alternate state assessment for eligible students with significant cognitive disabilities. Participation is determined by a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to ensure the assessment best matches the student's learning needs.
In November 2021, Michigan adopted the World-Class Instructional Design & Assessment (WIDA) standards for English language learners (ELLs). Our district conducts WIDA testing for ELLs to ensure our students are achieving milestones in their learning once per year.
To learn more about the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP), visit M-STEP What It Is - What It Means - What It Offers.

For more detailed information regarding the M-STEP that is given to students in grades 3-8 and 11, visit Michigan Department of Education (MDE) M-STEP.

To learn more about your student's M-STEP scores and how to help your student, the Michigan Department of Education has developed the Starting Smarter website.
Beginning April 2016, Michigan began using the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) as part of the Michigan Merit Examination (MME). The State also offers the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) 8/9 and PSAT 10 to 9th and 10th grade students free of charge each April. For additional information about the SAT and PSAT, including student practice tests, please visit College Board.
The WIN Career Readiness Assessment measures the workplace skills employers value most, including applied mathematics, reading for information, and locating information. Results help 11^th grade students identify their strengths, prepare for future careers, and work toward earning recognized career readiness credentials that demonstrate their skills to colleges and employers.

Supporting Your Student

Attendance matters. Students are best prepared for testing when they attend school regularly, complete classroom assignments, and stay engaged in learning throughout the year.
Encourage good study habits. Completing homework and participating in class helps students build the knowledge and confidence they need for assessments.
A little preparation goes a long way. Help your child get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time feeling ready to do their best.
Testing is just one measure of learning. Remind your child to do their best without feeling pressured. If you have questions about assessments or your child's progress, don't hesitate to reach out to their classroom teacher.