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The Weekly Spotlight on Student Assessment and Accountability is published every Thursday by the Office of Educational Assessment and Accountability (OEAA) in the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). Sign up to receive the weekly Spotlight Newsletter edition via email!
Subscribe to Spotlight listserv today to receive an email alert when the latest edition is available!
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DATE |
SUMMARY OF COMMUNICATIONS |
|---|---|
| May 29 | Spring 2025 M-STEP and MI-Access Test Administration Surveys; College Board Info (Answer Documents Received and Students Not Tested Process, College Board's State Implementation Support Specialists, Scores and Reporting Webinar); ACT WorkKeys Info (Verification of Answer Documents Received, ACT WorkKeys Score Reports, ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (ACT WorkKeys (NCRC), Student Access to myworkkeys.com, ACT WorkKeys Spring 2025 Schedule of Events, ACT WorkKeys List of Important Dates); Training & Conferences; Important Dates |
| May 22 | MI-Access Testing Window Closes Tomorrow at 4:00 p.m.; Spring 2025 MI-Access Test Administration Survey; School Review of Records for Answer Documents Received, Not Tested, Accountable Students, and Demographics for Spring 2025 Summative Assessments; Thank You for a Successful Administration!; M-STEP Administration Survey; Upcoming Accountability Tasks; Reporting; Using Assessment Data in the MICIP Process; Reminder: Return paper/pencil materials; WIDA ACCESS for ELLs: Answer Documents Received and Not Tested Review Window; Training Requirements for Scoring WIDA Speaking Assessments; K-12 Automatic English Learner (EL) Exits; College Board Info (Answer Documents Received and Students Not Tested Process, Spring 2025 Score Release Timeline, Scores and Reporting Webinar, College Board's State Implementation Support Specialists (SISSs)); ACT WorkKeys Info (Verification of Answer Documents Received, ACT WorkKeys Score Reports, ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (ACT WorkKeys NCRC), Student Access to MyWorkKeys.com), ACT WorkKeys Spring 2025 Schedule of Events, ACT WorkKeys List of Important Dates); Training; Important Dates |
| May 15 | M-STEP Online Test Administration Window Closes Tomorrow, May 16, 2025; IMPORTANT REMINDER: All MI-Access Testing Must be Completed by Friday, May 23, 2025; Spring 2025 M-STEP Test Administration Survey; College Board Info (Spring 2025 Score Release Timeline, Answer Documents Received and Not Tested Process, SAT Suite Post Administration Survey for Coordinators, College Board's State Implementation Support Specialists (SISSs)); ACT WorkKeys Info (Thank you from ACT WorkKeys, Returning All Test Materials to ACT, Verification of Answer Documents Received, ACT WorkKeys Spring 2025 Schedule of Events, ACT WorkKeys List of Important Dates); Training & Conference; Important Dates |
| May 8 | Reminder: M-STEP Online Testing Closes Next Week, May 16, 2025; Reminder: MI-Access Closing Week 5 of Testing; College Board Info (SAT Suite Post Administration Survey for Coordinators, College Board's State Implementation Support Specialists (SISSs), Answer Document Received and Not Tested Process, Spring 2025 Score Release Timeline); ACT WorkKeys Info (Returning All Test Materials to ACT, ACT WorkKeys Spring 2025 Schedule of Events, ACT WorkKeys List of Important Dates, Training & Conference; Important Dates |
| May 1 | M-STEP Paper/Pencil Testing Window Closes Tomorrow; Materials Must be Shipped for Return by Next Wednesday, May 7, 2025; Online M-STEP Testing Ends on Friday, May 16; College Board Info (SAT Suite Testing Window Now Closed, Post Administration Survey, Scores and Reporting Training, Spring 2025 Score Release Timeline); ACT WorkKeys Info (ACT WorkKeys Test Administration Update, ACT WorkKeys Spring 2025 Schedule of Events, ACT WorkKeys List of Important Dates); Training & Conference; Important Dates |
| April 24 | Accountable Students Enrolled and Demographics Review; NEXT WEEK: M-STEP Paper/Pencil Testing Window Closes Friday, May 2; Materials Return Guidelines; Interest Survey for Fall 2025 Accountability Workshops; College Board (SAT Suite Testing Window Closes Tomorrow, Guidelines for Paper Testers, Spring 2025 Score Release Timeline); ACT WorkKeys Info (ACT WorkKeys Test Administration, Update, ACT WorkKeys Spring 2025 Schedule of Events, ACT WorkKeys List of Important Dates); Training & Conference; Important Dates |
| April 17 | Correction: MI-Access SI/P Test Administration Manual (TAM); Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Reports Now Available; College Board Info (Student Registration Reminders, Guidance for Late Accommodations Requests, Rescheduling, Retesting, and Reporting Irregularities, Guidelines for Paper Testers Eligibility, Spring 2025 Score Release Timeline, State Implementation Support Specialists (SISSs)); ACT WorkKeys (ACT WorkKeys Test Administration Update, ACT WorkKeys Spring 2025 Schedule of Events, ACT WorkKeys List of Important Dates); Training & Conferences; Important Dates |
| April 10 | IMPORTANT TESTING REMINDER: All Word-Processed Documents Must be Transcribed onto Answer Documents; M-STEP and MI-Access Preliminary Reports: Available Now; Homebound and Hospitalized Students-State Testing Requirements; Rescheduling, Retesting, and Reporting Irregularities; College Board Info (Guidelines for Paper Testers, Using Calculators in the Math Section of the SAT Suite of Assessments, Spring 2025 Test Administration Window, Spring 2025 Score Release Timeline, State Implementation Support Specialists (SISSs)); ACT WorkKeys Info (ACT WorkKeys Testing Updates, ACT WorkKeys Spring 2025 Schedule of Events, ACT WorkKeys List of Important Dates); Training & Conference; Important Dates |
| April 3 | Spring 2025 Testing Begins Monday, April 7; Updates to M-STEP and MI-Access Paper/Pencil Test Administration and Materials Return; College Board SAT Suite of Assessments; M-STEP and MI-Access Office Hours; State Superintendent's Letter to Parents Regarding Spring Assessments Available Now; M-STEP, MI-Access, and Early Literacy and Mathematics: Common Testing Issues and How to Resolve Them; Additional Paper/Pencil Assessment Material Orders; Available Now: 2025 MI-Access Test Administration Training Presentations; Tips to Prevent Double-Testing of Students; WIDA ACCESS for ELLs and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs- Testing Window Closure and Material Return Deadline; WIDA Screener for Pre-K Students Testing Cycle Now Open; College Board (Spring 2025 Test Administration Window, College Board's April Monthly Newsletter, Spring 2025 Score Release Timeline, College Board's Required Online Training;, State Implementation Support Specialists (SISSs)); ACT WorkKeys Info (ACT WorkKeys Testing Windows Updates, Material Pickup for Test Window 1, Materials Pickup for Test Window 2); Training and Conference; Important Dates |
| March 27 | College Board Info (Spring 2025 Test Administration Window, Preparing Test Day Toolkit for Spring SAT SUITE Testing, Online Board's Required Online Training, School Test Coordinator Webinar Resources, State-Allowed Accommodations (SAA) English Learner (EL) Math Only, State Implementation Support Specialists (SISSs) ); WorkKeys Info (ACT WorkKeys Testing Window 1 Opens Today, After Testing information, Materials Pickup for Test Window 1, Important Dates); Conferences (2025 Building a Better Assessment Future (BBAF) Conference: Blazing a Trail to Student Success); Important Dates; Reminders WIDA Access Additional Material Order Window in WIDA AMS, ACT WorkKeys Accommodated Testing Window 1, ACT WorkKeys Return of Materials deadline, ACT WorkKeys Additional Material Ordering Window (Standard Time and Accommodations for Test Window 2) |
| March 20 | Important Update: ChromeOS 126LTS (Long-Term Support) and DRC INSIGHT Testing Compatibilities; Available Now: Complete M-STEP Test Administration Training; All Word-Processed Documents Must be Transcribed onto Answer Documents; M-STEP Text-to-Speech (TTS) for Directions Functions Differently on Tests with and Without TTS Assigned; Accountable Students Enrolled and Demographics Review; Spring 2025 WIDA ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS Answer Documents Received; WIDA ACCESS Additional Material Order Window Closing; Continuous Magnification Universal Tool Online Tools Training (OTT) is Available; Text-to-Speech Guidance for M-STEP; Medical Devices and Bluetooth Devices for Students with Hearing Impairments; WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Theme Generator Recruitment; College Board Info (Fee Waivers for Eligible Students, School Test Coordinator (Part 2) Webinar Resources, State Implementation Support Specialists (SISSs), College Board's Required Online Training, Reminder: Embedded Text-to-Speech in Bluebook for Spring 2025); WorkKeys Info (Important WorkKeys Test Administration Reminders, Materials Pickup for Test Window 1, ACT WorkKeys Spring 2025 Schedule of Events, ACT WorkKeys List of Important Dates); Conferences; Important Dates; Reminders |
| March 13 | Chromebook Update Necessary for M-STEP, MI-Access, and Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Spring 2025 Testing; Development Opportunity: Michigan Performance Assessment Cadre (MiPAC), Cohort VI; Announcing the 2025 Building a Better Assessment Future Conference: Blazing a Trail to Student Success; College Board (Preparing Test Day Toolkit for Spring SAT Suite Testing, College Board's Required Online Training Status Dashboard, Reminder: Embedded Text-to-Speech in Bluebook for Spring 2025, State Implementation Support Specialists (SISSs), College Board's Digital Readiness Check); ACT WorkKeys Info (ACT WorkKeys Test Materials Shipments, Ordering Additional ACT WorkKeys Test Materials, Prepare for Testing, ACT WorkKeys Training Webinars, Student Preparation - Go for Platinum!, ACT WorkKeys Spring 2025 Schedule of Events, ACT WorkKeys List of Important Dates); Important Dates |
| March 6 | Winter 2025 Early Literacy and Mathematics Aggregate Data Files and Reports Available; College Board (College Board's Digital Readiness Check, State-Allowed Accommodation (SAA): English Learner (EL) Math Only, College Board's March Monthly Newsletter, State Implementation Support Specialists (SISSs), College Board's Required Online Training); ACT WorkKeys Info (Test Site Selection, Prepare Student Answer Documents, ACT WorkKeys Test Materials Shipments, Pre-Recorded Audio Forms, Ordering Additional ACT WorkKeys Test Materials, ACT WorkKeys Spring 2025 Schedule of Events, ACT WorkKeys List of Important Dates); Important Dates, |
| February 27 | Closing Soon: Alternate INSIGHT Availability Request Form for M-STEP and MI-Access; Post Test Administration Review Tasks Added to the Lists of Important Dates; New for MI-Access: Rubric for Assigning Students to Alternate Standards in Instruction and Assessment; Updated Multiplication Table Guidance; College Board Info (Register for School Test Coordinator Part 2 Webinar, Access Test Day Toolkit and College Board's State Data Managment System (SDMS), College Board's Required Online Training, Complete College Board's Off-Site Request Form, State Implementation Support Specialists (SISSs), Spring 2025 Publications); ACT WorkKeys Info (Testing Staff Requirements, Training Your Testing Staff, ACT WorkKeys Test Materials Shipments, Pre-Recorded Audio Forms, Ordering Additional ACT WorkKeys Test Materials, ACT WorkKeys Training Webinars, ACT WorkKeys Spring 2025 Schedule of Events, ACT WorkKeys List of Important Dates); Training; Important Dates |
| February 20 | DRC INSIGHT Portal Available Tomorrow for M-STEP, MI-Access, and Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmarks Spring 2025 Administration; DRC INSIGHT Portal Training Opportunities; M-STEP Test Administrator's Directions and Manuals Available Now; Updated: Managing the Kiosk Floating Accessibility Menu Guidance Document; Reporting Codes and Research Codes: What They Are and How Districts and Schools Can Use Them; College Board Info (Register for the Upcoming School Test Coordinator Part 2 Webinar, Access to College Board's State Data Management System (SDMS), Paper/Pencil Testing Guidelines, Test Day Toolkit Update: District Test Coordinators Added to Test Day Toolkit, Complete College Board's Off-Site Request Form, State Implementation Support Specialists (SISSs)); WorkKeys (ACT WorkKeys Test Materials Shipments, Pre-Recorded Audio Forms, Ordering Additional ACT WorkKeys Test Materials, ACT WorkKeys Training Webinars, ACT WorkKeys Spring 2025 Schedule of Events, ACT WorkKeys List of Important Dates); Training; Important Dates |
| February 13 | Updated: Parental/Guardian Opt-Out Form for Additional Information Collected with SAT Suite of Assessments; College Board Info (SSD Online Accommodation Requests Deadline, State Allowed Accommodations (SAAs), Access to Test Day Toolkit and College Board's State Data Management System (SDMS), Test Day Toolkit Update: District Test Coordinators Added to Test Day Toolkit, Important Bluebook Update); ACT WorkKeys Info (Pre-identify Students and Order WorkKeys Test Materials, ACT WorkKeys Test Materials Shipments, Pre-Recorded Audio Forms, Ordering Additional ACT WorkKeys Test Materials, ACT WorkKeys Training Webinars); Training; Important Dates |
| February 6 | WIDA ACCESS Text Display Issues on Chromebooks; Important Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessment 2025 Dates; MI-ACCESS Test Administration Manuals Now Available; Supports & Accommodations Guidance Document and Planning Resources Available for State Assessments; Updated INSIGHT Tools Posters Available Now!; College Board Info (Test Day Toolkit Update: District Test Coordinators Added to Test Day Toolkit, Important Bluebook Update, Complete College Board's Off-Site Request Form, College Board Publications, State Implementation Support Specialists (SISSs)); ACT WorkKeys Info (Off-site Testing, Pre-identifying Students and Order WorkKeys Test Materials, ACT WorkKeys Training Webinars, ACT WorkKeys Test Administration Resources, ACT WorkKeys Events and Deadlines); Training; Important Dates |
| January 30 | M-STEP Test Administration Manual Available Now; Available Tomorrow: Spring 2025 Michigan Merit Exam/PSAT in High School and Grade 8 Test Administration Training - Part 2; What's New for College Board and ACT WorkKeys in Spring 2025 Summative Assessments?; Closing February 7, 2025: Winter Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments Testing Administration Window; Supports and Accommodations Guidance Document and Planning Resources Available for State Assessments; College Board Info (SAT and PSAT List of Important Dates (LIDs), Access to Test Day Toolkit and College Board's State Data Management System (SDMS),Spring 2025 SAT Suite Test Administration Resources, Using the Floating Accessibility Menu on Chromebooks, State Implementation Support Specialists (SISSs); ACT WorkKeys Info (Off-site Testing, Pre-identify Students and Order WorkKeys Test Materials, ACT WorkKeys Training Webinars, ACT WorkKeys Test Administration Resources, ACT WorkKeys Events and Deadlines); Training, Important Dates |
| January 23 | Mark your calendar! Building and District Coordinator Administration Trainings; M-STEP Building and Districts Coordinator Administration Training; MI-Access Building and District Coordinator Administration Training; Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Training; Ordering WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Materials; Bubbling-in Student Information on WIDA Test Booklets; Screening Potential English Learners During the WIDA ACCESS Testing Window; WIDA Additional School/District Labels; Bubbling-in Student Information on WIDA Test Booklets; WIDA Incident Reports; Screening Potential English Learners During the WIDA ACCESS Testing Window; WIDA Additional School/District Labels; Overdue for Submission to ISDs - Local 1% Alternate Assessment Justification Forms; College Board Info (Publications, Using the Floating Accessibility Menu on Chromebooks, Spring 2025 SSD and Accommodations Webinar, State Implementation Support Specialists (SISSs), Stay Updated with College Board's Latest Bluebook Releases, Spring SAT Suite Pre-ID Window, Access to Test Day Toolkit and SDMS, State Allowed Accommodations Window Open, Will Close February 18); WorkKeys (Pre-identify Students and Order WorkKeys Test Materials, ACT WorkKeys Training Webinars, ACT WorkKeys Test Administration Resources, ACT WorkKeys Events and Deadlines); Training; Important Dates |
| January 16 | IMPORTANT: OEAA Secure Site Security; WIDA Parent Guides; (College Board Info) Register for Upcoming Technical Readiness Webinar; Stay Updated with College Board's Latest Bluebook Releases; Changes to Accommodation Names and Embedded Text-to-Speech, Spring SAT Suite Pre-ID Window, Access to Test Day Toolkit and SDMS, State Allowed Accommodations Window Open on January 9); ACT WorkKeys Info (Pre-identify Students and Order WorkKeys Test Materials, Completing Management Participation); Training; Important Dates |
| January 9 | Open Now: Winter 2025 Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Test Administration Window; Benchmark Assessment Reporting and Funding Application and Data Submission Extended to January 17, 2025; Pre-Identification and Material Orders: SAT, PSAT, WorkKeys, M-STEP and MI-Access Deadline is February 14, 2025; Cross-Website Tracking and Device Supervision Update on iPads; WIDA ACCESS for ELLS Materials Arrive in Districts on January 30; Alternate INSIGHT Availability Request For Available for M-STEP, MI-Access; College Board Info (Register for the SSD and Accommodations Webinar, State Allowed Accommodations Window Opens Today, January 9, Attending Institution (AI) Confirmation Email, Spring SAT Suite Pre-ID Window; Access to Test Day Toolkit and SDMS, Register for Upcoming Technical Readiness Webinar, Using Windows Tablets for College Board Testing); ACT WorkKeys Info (Pre-identify Students and Order WorkKeys Test Materials, Completing Manage Participation); Training, Important Dates |
|
DATE |
SUMMARY OF COMMUNICATIONS |
|---|---|
| December 19 | Opening Soon: Winter 2025 Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Test Administration Window; College Board Info (Spring SAT Suite Pre-ID Window, Access to Test Day Toolkit and SDMS, State-Allowed Accommodations Window Opens January 9, Attending Institution (AI) Conformation Email ,Paper-Based Testing, Register for Upcoming College Board Webinars, College Board School Test Coordinator Part 1 Resources, Using Windows Tablets for College Board Testing); ACT WorkKeys Info (Pre-identify Students and Order WorkKeys Test Materials, Completing Manage Participation); Assessment Literacy Info; Training & Conference; Important Dates |
| December 12 | Approaching Deadline: Benchmark Reporting and Funding Application; 2024-25 Annual Education Report (AER) Preview Available; 2024 WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Reports Available in MiLearn; College Board Info (Technology Updates from College Board, College Board School Test Coordinator Part 1 Resources, Register for Upcoming College Board Webinars); ACT WorkKeys Info (Pre-identify Students and Order WorkKeys Test Materials, Completing Manage Participation); Training & Conferences; Important Dates |
| December 5 | Student Pre-ID for SAT, PSAT, WorkKeys, M-STEP, and MI-Access; WIDA Pre-ID of Students and Initial Material Order; Required WIDA Assessment Courses and Webinars Available in WIDA Secure Portal; WIDA AMS Test Setup Window Opening January 3, 2025; Screening Kindergarten Students as Potentially Eligible for English Learner Services; Educators Needed for Review Panels; 2024-25 Annual Education Report (AER) Coming Soon; Section 31a At Risk Student Report Now Available; College Board Info (New Resources Available, Register for Upcoming College Board Webinars); ACT WorkKeys Info (Completing Manage Participation); Training & Conferences; Important Dates |
| November 21 | REMINDER: 2023-24 School Accountability Results Publicly Available Now on MI School Data; Benchmark Assessment Report and Funding Application Update; New MI-Access Alternate Assessment Guidance Tool; Should English Learners with Disabilities Take the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs or the WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELLs?; WIDA Test Exceptions & False English Learner (EL) Guidance; Intent to Test Window Now Closed; Register for Upcoming College Board Webinars; College Board Info (College Board's Interactive Checklist and November Monthly Newsletter); ACT WorkKeys Info (Completing Manage Participation); Assessment Literacy; Training; Important Dates |
| November 14 | Now Available: Benchmark Assessments Reporting and Funding Application; Reminder: Embargoed 2023-24 School Index Reports and Datafiles Now Available for Preview on MI School Data; College Board Info (College Board Accommodation Changes for Spring 2025, College Board's Interactive Checklist and November Monthly Newsletter, District Test Coordinator Webinar, Deadline for Submitting Online Waiver Requests for SAT with Essay and PSAT-Related Assessments, Intent to Test Window Will Close Soon, Off-Site Testing for Spring 2025); ACT WorkKeys Info (Completing Manage Participation); Training; Important Dates |
| November 7 | IMPORTANT: How to Access the OEAA Secure Site; Available Now: Spring 2025 Michigan Merit Exam, PSAT in High School, and Grade 8 Test Administration Training, Part 1; ACT WorkKeys List of Important Dates Now Available; Delayed? Benchmark Assessment Reporting and Funding Application; College Board Info (Intent to Test Window Now Open, Off-Site Testing for Spring 2025, Online Waiver Requests for SAT with Essay and PSAT-Related Assessments); ACT WorkKeys Info (ACT-hosted State of Michigan ACT WorkKeys, State Testing Website, Completing Manage Participation); Training; Important Dates |
| October 31 | Michigan Virtual 2024-25 Assessment Security Modules are Now Available; Updated 2024-25 Assessment Integrity Guide Released; Off-Site Request Calendar for 2024-25 School Year; Preparing for Michigan School Index Reports and Accountability Datafiles; Michigan Education Research Association (MERA) Announces Fall Conference, November 25-26 in Frankenmuth; College Board (Register for College Board's District Test Coordinator Orientation Webinar, Intent to Test Window Now Open, Off-Site Testing for Spring 2025: Request Process and Deadlines, Online Waiver Requests for SAT with Essay and PSAT-Related Assessments); WorkKeys (Upcoming Manage Participation); Assessment Literacy; Training; Important Dates |
| October 24 | DRC INIGHT Technology Readiness Training for Technology Coordinators; 2024 WIDA Test Coordinator of the Year Award; 2025 Michigan School Testing Conference is February 11-13; College Board Info (Intent to Test Window Opens Monday, Off-Site Testing for Spring 2025: Request Process for Deadlines, Online Waiver Requests for SAT with Essay and PSAT-Related Assessments); ACT WorkKeys Info (Upcoming Manage Participation); Training; Important Dates |
| October 17 | IMPORTANT: Continue your Access to the OEAA Secure Site/WIDA AMS/INSIGHT Portal; EEM Contact Updates; WIDA Webinars; M-STEP Multiplication Guidance; 2024-25 Sending Scores Back Program Applications Now Available; Preparing for Michigan School Index Reports and Accountability Datafiles; Now Available - Accountability Best Practices: Data Reporting Guide for Trouble-Free Accountability Data; College Board Info (List of Important Dates, Update on the Availability of State-Allowed Accommodations; Online Waiver Requests for SAT with Essay and PSAT-Related Assessments; Michigan Intent to Test Window); ACT WorkKeys Info (Upcoming Manage Participation); Training; Important Dates |
| October 10 | Benchmark Assessments Fact Sheet and FAQ Updated; Reminder: Online Testing Waiver Window Open through November 15, 2024; WIDA List of Important Dates; M-STEP Expectation Analysis Report Available; Spring 2024 Michigan Interpretive Guide to MME Reports Available Now; Updated English Learner Growth Crosswalk Now Available; College Board Info (List of Important Dates, Update on the Availability of State Allowed Accommodations, Michigan Intent to Test Window, Online Waiver Requests for SAT with Essay and PSAT-Related Assessments); WorkKeys (Updating EEM); Training; Important Dates |
| October 3 | M-STEP List of Important Dates PDF Now Available; WIDA List of Important Dates Now Available; Online Waiver Requests for SAT with Essay and PSAT-Related Assessments; Spring 2025 College Board Webinars for Michigan Educators; ACT WorkKeys Info (Overview of the ACT WorkKeys Assessments, Spring 2025 Test Dates, Standard Time Testing, Accommodations Testing, Student Preparation - Go for Platinum!); Training; Important Dates |
| September 26 | Online Testing Waiver Window Runs October 7 - November 15, 2024; 2024 WIDA Coordinator of the Year Nominations; Kindergarten WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Field Test; Are You New to WIDA?; WIDA ACCESS Checklists Available; Accessing Previous WIDA Test Scores; College Board Info (Online Waiver Requests for SAT with Essay and PSAT-Related Assessments, Spring 2025 College Board Webinars for Michigan Educators, Spring 2025 Accommodations and English Learner (EL) Supports); ACT WorkKeys Info (Updating EEM); Assessment Literacy (Balanced Assessment Systems, Resources, Putting it into Practice); Training; Important Dates |
| September 19 | Critical: Update School and District Contacts in the EEM for the 2024-25 School Year; WIDA Parent Guides; Announcing College Board Webinars for Spring 2025 SAT with Essay, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9; College Board Info (Spring 2025 Accommodation and English Learner Supports; School Establishment and the Educational Entity Master (EEM)); Training; Important Dates |
| September 12 | M-STEP Social Studies Assessment Blueprint Update; Managing your District's WIDA Secure Portal Accounts; College Board Info (Spring 2025 Accommodations and English Learner (EL) Supports; School Establishment and the Educational Entity Master (EEM)); Training; Important Dates |
| September 5 | 3-Year Summative Testing Schedule Now Available; Benchmark Assessments Fact Sheet and FAQ Available; Upcoming Training Reminder; Additional ACT WorkKeys Testing Window Added for Spring 2025; WIDA Summative Testing Window Expansions; Kindergarten WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Field Test; Parent Reports Begin Shipping Tomorrow; College Board Info (Spring 2025 Accommodations and English Learner (EL) Supports, English Learner (EL) Supports Available for Michigan-provided CB Assessments, College Board-Approved Accommodations; State-Allowed Accommodations (SAAs), School Establishment and Educational Entity Master (EEM), Scores and Reporting Webinar Recording); WorkKeys (Updating EEM); Training; Important Dates |
| August 29 | Michigan Students Improve on Most State Tests; Register Now for Fall School Accountability Workshops; Public WIDA ACCESS for ELLS Reports Available on MISchoolData; College Board Info (Spring 2025 Test Dates; School Establishment and the Educational Entity Master (EEM); Scores and Reporting Webinar Recording; ACT WorkKeys Info (Updating Educational Entity Master (EEM)); Assessment Literacy 101; Assessment Literacy 101 - Resources; Assessment Literacy 101 - Put Into Practice; Training; Important Dates |
| August 22 | Available Tomorrow: All Remaining M-STP, SAT/PSAT, and MI-Access Reports; Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments Student-Level Reports Available; 2024 Interpretive Guides to Reports Available Now; Temporary Delay in Shipping Parent Reports; Michigan Data Hub Benchmark Reporting Requirements Webinar; Federal Requirement to Identify Potential English Learners; Are you New to WIDA?; K-12 Automatic English Learner (EL) Exits; 2023-2024 Graduation Rate Appeals Window; College Board Info (Spring 2025 Test Dates, School Establishment and the Educational Entity Master (EEM), Upcoming Scores and Reporting Webinar); ACT WorkKeys Info (Spring 2024 Score Reports Delivery and Returned Shipments); Training; Important Dates; Reminders |
| August 15 | M-STEP Parent Reports Arrive in Schools Soon; 2024 Interpretive Guide to M-STEP Reports Available Now!; Understanding the 2024 WIDA Alternate ACCESS Score Reports Webinar; College Board Info (Spring 2025 Test Dates, School Establishment and the Educational Entity Master (EEM), Upcoming Scores and Reporting Webinar); ACT WorkKeys Info (Spring 2024 Score Reports Delivery and Returned Shipments); Training; Important Dates; Reminders |
| August 8 | Announcing the Enhanced DRC INSIGHT Testing Engine; Spring 2024 Student-level Reports Available for M-STEP, SAT, PSAT-related, ACT WorkKeys, and MI-Access; Fall 2024 Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments Resources Available; Spring 2024 WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Student Score Data File Available; Spring 2024 WIDA ACCESS Reports Available on WIDA AMS; WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Reports Arrive in Districts August 20; New WIDA Coordinator and WIDA Screener Overview Webinars; College Board Info (Spring 2025 Dates, School Establishment and Educational Entity Master (EEM)), ACT WorkKeys Info (Spring 2024 Score Reports Delivery and Returned Shipments); Training (College Board Scores and Reporting Webinar, OEAA Accountability Workshops); Important Dates, Reminders |
| August 1 | Student Data Files Available Now for M-Step, MI-Access, SAT, PSAT-Related, and ACT WorkKeys; Fall 2024 Pre-Id and Test Session Assignment for Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments (K-2); The Time Is Now! Update School and District Contacts in the EEM for the 2024-25 School Year; 2024-25 DRC Insight Technology Installation and Setup Training for Technology Coordinators; 2024-25 Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments Coordinator Administration Training; 2024-25 Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments Training Available Now; 2024-25 DRC Insight Documentation Available; NEW! Peer School Matching Tool; College Board (Spring 2025 Test Dates; School Establishment and the Educational Entity Master (EEM); Upcoming Scores and Reporting Webinar); ACT WorkKeys(ACT WorkKeys Score Reports; ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (ACT WorkKeys NCRC); Student Access to MyWorkKeys.com); Important Dates; Reminders. |
| June 27 | Spotlight on Summer Break during July; Spring 2024 Post-Test Administration Surveys Close Tomorrow; Spring 2024 Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Student and Aggregate Data Files Now Available; College Board Corner (Educator Scores Can be Viewed Now; Updating Your College Board Account; Reminders); Conferences & Webinars |
| June 20 | DRC INSIGHT Technology Installation & Setup Training for Technology Coordinators; Early Literacy & Mathematics Benchmark Assessments Coordinator Administration Training; Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments Coordinator Administration Training Presentation; Parent Dashboard - Update School Services and Offerings; Save the Date: Accountability Workshops; Reminder: Science Educators: You can get Involved with M-STEP Assessment; Reminder: Participate in Michigan Performance Assessment Cadre (MiPAC) - Cohort V; College Board Corner; Conferences & Webinars (The Michigan Assessment Consortium's Annual Building a Better Assessment Future (BBAF) Conference is August 6-7 in East Lansing, Assessment Learning Institute (ALI), Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA) for LEAs, Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA) for ISD/ESA Consultants; Important Dates |
| June 13 | Reminder: Take the M-STEP and MI-Access Test Administration Surveys by June 28, 2024; WIDA reports Available on WIDA AMS as of June 28; College Board Corner (Reminders); Conferences & Webinars (Building a Better Assessment Future Conference, Assessment Literacy Institute, Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA) for LEAs, Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA) for ISD/ESA Consultants, College Board Scores and Reporting Webinar, August 22, 2024) |
| June 6 | Now Open: Review of Spring 2024 Summative Assessments Records for "Answer Documents Received" (M-STEP and MI-access) and "Not Tested Students" (SAT, PSAT 8/9 for Grade 8, M-STEP & MI-Access); Submit Accurate Data Now for Fall Accountability Reporting; Focus on Assessment Literacy: 2024 Summer Reading List; College Board Corner (Educator Score Release); ACT WorkKeys; Conferences & Webinar, Building a Better Assessment Future Conference, Assessment Literacy Institute, Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA) for LEAs, Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (AB) for ISD/ESA Consultants, College Board Scores and Reporting Webinar, August 22, 2024 |
| May 30 | Thank You for a Successful M-STEP Test Administration!; Spring 2024 MI-Access Test Administration Survey; College Board Corner (Answer Documents Received and Not Tested Process); ACT WorkKeys; Conferences & Webinars (Building a Better Assessment Future Conference, Assessment Literacy Institute, Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA) for LEAs, Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA) for ISD/ESA Consultants; College Board Scores and Reporting Webinar, August 22, 2024 |
| May 23 | Reminder: The MI-Access Testing Window Closes Tomorrow, Friday, May 24, at 4:00 p.m.; School Review of Spring 2024 Summative Assessments Records for “Answer Documents Received and Not Tested” and for “Accountable Students Enrolled and Demographics”; Now Open: WIDA ACCESS for ELLs: Answer Documents; Received and Not Tested Review Window; College Board Corner (Post-Administration Test Staff Survey, Answer Documents Received and Not Tested Process, Score Release Timeline, Upcoming Scores and Reporting Webinar); ACT WorkKeys (Verification of Answer Documents Received, ACT WorkKeys Score Reports, ACT® WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate® [ACT WorkKeys NCRC], Student Access to myworkkeys.com); Conferences & Webinars(Building A Better Assessment Future Conference, Assessment Literacy Institute, Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA) for LEAs, Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA) for ISD/ESA Consultants, College Board Scores and Reporting Webinar August 22, 2024) |
| May 16 | M-STEP Online Test Administration Window Closes Tomorrow, May 17, 2024; Important Reminder: All MI-Access Testing Must be Completed by Friday, May 24, 2024; Spring 2024 M-STEP Test Administration Survey; Additional Flexibility for Administration of the ACT WorkKeys in Spring 2025; College Board Corner (Post-Administration Test Staff Survey); ACT WorkKeys (Thank You); Conferences & Webinars (Building a Better Assessment Future Conferences, Assessment Literacy Institute, Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA) for LEAs, Achieving Balance in Class Assessment (ABCA) for ISD/ESA Consultants |
| May 9 | Online Testing Windows are Closing Soon; Reminder: M-STEP Paper/Pencil Secure Materials Return; MI-Access Reminder: Closing Week 5 of Testing; Bluetooth Devices for Students with Hearing Impairments; College Board Corner; ACT WorkKeys; Conferences & Webinars (Building a brighter Future Conference, Assessment Literacy Institute, Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA) for LEAs, Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA) for ISD/ESA Consultants |
| May 2 | Remind Students: Accessing Classroom Materials During Testing is Prohibited; MI-Access Testing Reminders; M-STEP Paper/Pencil Secure Materials Return Deadline: May 8, 2024; College Board Corner (Thank You!, College Boards Boots on the Ground Team, Score Release Timeline, Matching Student Scores to a College Board Account, Reminders); ACT WorkKeys (Reminders); Conferences & Webinars (MERA Conference, Building A Brighter Future Conference, Assessment Literacy Institute, Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA) for LEAs, Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA) for ISD/SA Consultants |
| April 25 | NEXT WEEK: M-STEP Paper/Pencil Testing Window Closes Friday, May 3; Headphones Allowed During M-STEP and MI-Access Online Testing; Spring 2024 Answer Documents Received and Not Tested Timelines; Office Hours for M-STEP and MI-Access Related Testing Questions; Homebound and Hospitalized Students - State Testing Expectations; Interest Survey for Fall 2024 Accountability Workshops; College Board Corner (Upcoming Scores and Reporting Webinar); ACT WorkKeys (Reminders); Conferences & Webinars, MERA Conference, Building A Brighter Future Conference, Assessment Literacy Institute, Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA) for LEAs, Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA) for ISD/ESA Consultants |
| April 18 | Accountable Students Enrolled and Demographics Review; Timely Submission of Incident Reports Required; Office Hours for M-STEP and MI-Access Related Questions College Board Corner (OEAA Pre-ID and College Board Student Registration, Score Release, Digital Readiness Check and Accessibility Menu) Timeline; ACT WorkKeys (Returning Test Window 1 (Initial) Accommodations Test Materials, Makeup (Test Window 2) Test Administration, Upcoming Events and Deadlines); Conferences & Webinars; MERA Conference; Building a Brighter Future Conference; Assessment Literacy Institute; Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessments (ABCA) for LEAs, Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA) for ISD/ESA Consultants |
| April 11 | M-STEP and MI-Access Preliminary Reports Now Available; Human Voice Audio Available for M-STEP Passage-based Writing Items; Homebound and Hospitalized Students - State Testing Expectations; College Board Corner (Retesting and Irregularities Guidance, Paper Material Returns); ACT WorkKeys (Returning Initial (Test Window 1) Test Materials to ACT, Return Secure Materials to ACT, Order Makeup Test Day (Test Window 2) Test Materials, Makeup (Test Window 2) Test Administration, Upcoming Events and Deadlines) ; Important Dates; Conferences & Webinars |
| April 4 |
Spring Testing 2024 Begins Monday, April 8; M-STEP, MI-Access, and Early Literacy and Mathematics: Common Testing Issues and How to Resolve Them; Chromebooks and the Kiosk Floating Accessibility Menu; Tips to Prevent the Double Testing of Students; Important Reminders About MI-Access Participation; WIDA Screener for Pre-K Students Testing Cycle Now Open; Three-Year Summative Testing Schedule Now Available; College Board Corner (Test Day Tips, Avoiding Testing Irregularities, Paper Testing FAQ Now Available); ACT WorkKeys (Test Day Tips); Important Dates |
| March 28 |
M-STEP and MI-Access Initial Materials Arriving in Schools This Week! ;Test Monitoring Application; Update: Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) Tracking Now Available; CORRECTION: M-STEP Multiplication Table Accommodation Eligibility; Michigan-Specific Guidance for the Administration of the SAT Suite of Assessments; Important Reminders About MI-Access Participation; State Superintendent’s Letter Regarding Spring Assessments Now Available in Arabic and Spanish; Michigan Social Studies Educators Wanted for M-STEP Social Studies Blueprint Panel (June 2024); College Board Corner (MDE Guidance Document, Text-to-Speech and Spring 2024 Testing, College Board Required Online Training and School Readiness, Reminders); ACT WorkKeys (Pre-Recorded Audio forms, Reminders); Important Dates |
| March 21 | State Superintendent’s Letter Regarding Spring Assessments Available Now; Additional Paper/Pencil Assessment Material Orders; M-STEP Multiplication Table Accommodation Request Form Available Monday, March 25, 2024; Available Now: Complete M-STEP Test Administration Training; Available Now: MI-Access Test Administration Training Videos; Michigan-Specific Guidance for the Administration of the SAT Suite of Assessments; WIDA ACCESS for ELLs and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs – Testing Window Closure and Material Return Deadline; Homebound and Hospitalized Students – State Testing Expectations; Science Educators: You Can Get Involved with the M-STEP Assessment!; College Board Corner (Digital SAT with Essay Break Time Update, OEAA Pre-ID and College Board Student Registration, Off-Site Testing, Fee Waivers, Reminders); ACT WorkKeys (Briefing Session with School Staff, Testing Activities, Timings of Assessments, Break Policy, Reminders); Important Dates |
| March 14 | Michigan Student Data System (MSDS) Updates for Assessment and Accountability Reporting; M-STEP Text-to-Speech Guidance; Chromebooks and the Kiosk Floating Accessibility Menu; Training Requirements: MI-Access District and Building Assessment Coordinators, Technology Coordinators, and Test Administrators; WIDA ACCESS Additional Material Order Window Closing; WIDA ACCESS for ELLs and WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELLs - End of Testing Reminders; Development Opportunity: Michigan Performance Assessment Cadre (MiPAC) - Cohort V; College Board Corner (Chromebooks and Kiosk Accessibility During Spring Testing, Digital Readiness Check Resources, College Board Webinar Recordings, Interactive Coordinator Checklist - District Dashboard, College Board Boots on the Ground Staff, State Data Management System (SDMS), Michigan Guides and Testing Manuals); ACT WorkKeys (Test Site Selection); Important Dates; Conferences & Webinars |
| March 7 | M-STEP Text-to-Speech (TTS) Clarification and Requirements; M-STEP Training Requirements for District and Building Assessment Coordinators, Technology Coordinators, and Test Administrators; M-STEP Paper/Pencil Test Administrator's Directions and Manuals Available Now; College Board Center (Headphone Requirements, Prevent Bluebook Application Corruption on Chromebooks, List of Paper/Pencil Test Materials, Training Opportunities, College Board Office Hours, College Board Test Format); ACT WorkKeys (Test Site Selection, Prepare Student Answer Documents); Important Dates; Conferences & Webinars |
| February 29 | M-STEP Online Test Administrator's Directions and Manuals Available Now; DRC INSIGHT Portal Available; Closing Soon: Alternate INSIGHT Availability Request Window for M-STEP, MI-Access; State Assessment Exemptions for English Learners Who Are Recent Arrivals; Alternate ACCESS Field Test Transcription Guidance; Winter 2024 Early Literacy and Mathematics Aggregate Reports Available; Winter 2024 Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Student Data Files and Aggregate Data Files; FAME Project Accepting New Coach Applications for 2024-2026; 2025 Michigan School Testing Conference: Call for Presenters; College Board Corner (Michigan Guides and Testing Manuals, College Board's Required Online Training, Critical Bluebook Update, Training Opportunities); ACT WorkKeys (Testing Staff Requirements, Training Your Testing Staff); Important Dates; Conferences & Webinars |
| February 22 | New Multiplication Table Guidance; College Board Corner (Introducing Brad Brunner to Michigan Educators, Practice Resources for SAT with Essay and PSAT-Related Assessments, College Boards Required Online Training, Testing Room Requirements, Michigan Testing Manuals); ACT WorkKeys (Reminders); Important Dates; Conferences & Webinars |
| February 15 | Setting up Devices for Online Testing: WIDA, M-STEP, and MI-Access; WIDA Supports and Accommodations Resources for Educators (Teacher Guides) and Videos; College Board Corner (Spring 2024 Michigan SAT Suite Testing Window Open April 8-28 (note correct date), Critical Bluebook Update Released, Meeting District and School Needs, Optional Student Information in Digital Readiness, Changes to MDE Consent Policy for Optional Student Information for SAT with Essay, PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10); ACT WorkKeys (WorkKeys Test Materials Shipments; Ordering Additional ACT WorkKeys Test Materials); Important Dates; Conferences & Webinars |
| February 8 | M-STEP and MI-Access FI Online Sessions; MI-Access Test Administration Manuals Now Available; WIDA Alternate ACCESS Standard Setting Educator Recruitment; College Board Corner (SSD Accommodation Request Deadline is February 16, Screen Reader Requests No Longer Requires Documentation Review, College Board Data Entry Assistance with Test Day Toolkit); ACT WorkKeys (Reminders); Important Dates; Conferences & Webinars |
| February 1 | M-STEP Test Administration Manual Available Now; Reminder: End of Testing for Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments; Available Now: Spring 2024 Michigan Merit Exam, PSAT in High School, and Grade 8 Test Administration Training - Part II; Now Available - Spanish and Arabic Versions of the Parental/Guardian Opt-Out Form for Optional Information Provided During the SAT Suite of Assessments; WIDA Incident Reports; Screening Potential English Learners During the WIDA ACCESS Testing Window; WIDA Additional School/District Labels; WIDA Alternate ACCESS Standard Setting Educator Recruitment; College Board (Pre-identification in the OEAA Secure Site); ACT WorkKeys (Reminders); Important Dates; Conferences & Webinars |
| January 25 | Parental/Guardian Opt-Out Policy for Optional Information Provided During the SAT Suite of Assessments; Revised Guidance on Who Should and Should Not Take MI-Access; Last Call for Applications: 2023-24 Sending Scores Back Program for Shared Educational Entities (SEEs and S2E2s); College Board (Changes to the Michigan Department of Education's Consent Policy for Optional Student Information for SAT with Essay, PST 8/9 and PSAT 10); ACT WorkKeys (Off-site Testing); Important Dates; Conferences & Webinars |
| January 18 | Michigan Virtual 2023-24 Assessment Security Modules are Now Available; Mark Your Calendar: DRC District/Building Coordinator Training Webinars; Ordering WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Materials; Bubbling-in Student Information on WIDA Test Booklets; Supports & Accommodations Guidance Document and Planning Resources Available for State Assessments; College Board (College Board Monthly Newsletter, Accommodation Requests and English Learner Supports Window); ACT WorkKeys; Important Dates; Conferences & Webinars |
| January 11 | Pre-Identification and Material Orders - SAT, PSAT, WorkKeys, M-STEP, and MI-Access; Text to Speech for Directions Required for all Online M-STEP and MI-Access Functional Independence assessments; WIDA Parent Guides; Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments Student-Level Reports Available; College Board (Pre-identification in the OEAA Secure Site, Interactive Coordinator Checklist, Request Off-Site Testing, College Board Trainings); ACT WorkKeys (Pre-identify Students and Order WorkKeys Test Materials, Completing Manage Participation, ACT WorkKeys Events and Deadlines); Important Dates; Conferences & Webinars |
| January 4 | 2023-24 Annual Education Report (AER) Now Available to the Public; REMINDER! Alternate INSIGHT Availability Request Form Now Available for M-STEP, MI-Access; WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Materials Arrive in Districts on January 30; Michigan-Specific WIDA Test Administration Manual Available; College Board Corner; ACT WorkKeys; Important Dates; Conferences & Webinars |
|
DATE |
SUMMARY OF COMMUNICATIONS |
|---|---|
| December 21 | Michigan School Grades Reports Publicly Available; 2023-24 Annual Education Report (AER) Preview Available; Off-Site Request Calendar for 2023-24 School Year; Alternate INSIGHT Availability Request Form Available for M-STEP, MI-Access; M-STEP Passage-based Writing Field Test Administration Guide Available Now; College Board Corner; ACT WorkKeys; Important Dates; Conferences and Webinars |
| December 14 | 2022-23 Michigan School Grades Reports: Preview Now Available; Student Pre-ID for SAT, PSAT, WorkKeys, M-STEP, and MI-Access; Spring 2024 Assessment Initial Material Orders; WIDA ACCESS for ELLS Pre-ID/Material Order Reminder; Screening Kindergarten Students as Potentially Eligible for English Learner Services; 2023-24 Annual Education Report (AER) Coming Soon; Benchmark Assessment Reporting - Thank You; College Board: AI Confirmation Email and School Establishment; College Board: Request off-Site Testing; ACT WorkKeys: Pre-identify Students and Order WorkKeys Test Materials; Important Dates; Conferences and Webinars |
| December 7 | 2022-23 School Accountability Results Now Available on MISchoolData.org; Remember: 1% Alternative Assessment (MI-Access) Waiver Forms are Due December 12, 2023; WIDA Test Exceptions; Required WIDA Assessment Courses and Webinars Available in WIDA Secure Portal; WIDA AMS Test Setup Window Opening; Learn, Share, & Discover - Information and Ideas about Student Assessment at the 2024 Michigan School Testing Conference; 2023-24 College Board Coordinator Implementation Handbook for SAT with Essay, PSAT 8/9, and PSAT 10; College Board Newsletter; College Board Trainings; ACT WorkKeys: Completing Manage Participation; Important Dates; Conferences and Webinars |
| November 30 | Approaching Deadline: Benchmark Assessments Reporting and Funding Application; 2023-24 Annual Education Report (AER) Coming Soon; Michigan School Grades Reports Coming Soon; Reminder: 2022-23 School Index Reports and Datafiles Now Available for Preview on MI School Data; 2023-24 Sending Scores Back Program for Shared Educational Entities (SEEs and S2E2s) - Applications Now Available; DRC INSIGHT Technology Readiness Training for Technology Coordinators Now Available; Tools for Teachers: Tailor Instruction and Boost Learning with Tools for Teachers; Early Literacy & Mathematics Benchmark Assessments Reports: Understanding Scale Scores and Performance Levels; Reminders; College Board: SAT with Essay; Collage Board: School Test Coordinator Webinar, Sessions 1 and 2; College Board: District Test Coordinator Recording and Q&A; ACT WorkKeys: Completing Manage Participation; Important Dates; Conferences & Webinars |
| November 16 | Reminder: Online Testing Waiver Window Closes November 22, 2023; Getting Started with Early Literacy & Mathematics Benchmark Assessments; Getting Started with the Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments; Have you seen the Revised M-STEP Online Test Directions Yet? Pre-ID for Winter 2023 Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessment (K-2); Pre-ID for Winter 2024 M-STEP Online Passage-based Writing Field Test, Grades 3-8; Should English Learners with Disabilities Take the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs or the WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELLs? WIDA Pre-ID of Students and Initial Material Order; Accountability for Section 31a "At Risk" Report now Available; Public Comment on Michigan's One Percent Alternate Assessment (Mi-Access) Waiver; College Board: Important Tasks for Spring 2024 Administration; ACT WorkKeys: State Testing Website; ACT WorkKeys: Completing Manage Participation; Important Dates; Conferences and Webinars |
| November 9 | Changes to M-STEP Online Test Directions; Fall 2023 Early Literacy and Mathematics Aggregate Reports Available; Fall 2023 Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Student Data Files and Aggregate Data Files; Michigan Education Research Association (MERA) Announces Fall Conference, November 20-21 in Frankenmuth; Writing Skills Field Test; College Board: School Test Coordinator Webinar, Part 1; College Board Intent to Participate Email; College Board List of Important Dates; ACT WorkKeys Assessments Overview; ACT WorkKeys Assessments Overview; ACT WorkKeys: Completing Manage Participation; Important Dates; Conferences & Webinars |
| November 2 | Now Available: Benchmark Assessments Reporting and Funding Application; Available Now: Spring 2024 Michigan Merit Exam/PSAT in High School and Grade 8 Test Administration Training - Part I; Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments: A Free, Fully Aligned Resource for Michigan Districts; Get to Know the Early Literacy & Mathematics Benchmark Assessments; Updated 2023-24 Assessment Integrity Guide Released; Reminder: Online Testing Waiver Window Open Through November 22, 2023; Michigan School Index System Reports and Accountability Student Datafiles Coming Soon; PSAT 8/9 for Grade 8: Accommodations and English Learner Supports; College Board; ACT WorkKeys; Important Dates; Conferences & Webinars |
| October 27 | DRC INSIGHT Technology Readiness Training for Technology Coordinators; 2024 Michigan School Testing Conference; Reminder: Assessment Facilitators of Michigan, Unite!; College Board (List of Important Dates); ACT WorkKeys (Completing Manage Participation); Important Dates; Conferences & Webinars |
| October 19 | Off-Site Request Calendar for 2023-24 School Year; Now Available: Lists of Important Dates for M-STEP, MI-Access, Early Literacy and Mathematics, SAT with Essay, PSAT 10, PSAT 8/9, and ACT WorkKeys; 2023-2024 Guide to State Assessments Now Available; End-of-Testing Reminder for Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments; Who Must/Can Take the MME in Spring 2024?; Now Available - Accountability Best Practices: Data Reporting Guide for Trouble-Free Accountability Data; Reminder: Assessment Facilitators of Michigan, Unite!; College Board (List of Important Dates; District Test Coordinator Webinar for SAT with Essay, PSAT 8/9, and PSAT 10, Online Waiver Requests for SAT with Essay and PSAT-Related Assessments, Upcoming Manage Participation); ACT WorkKeys (Update EEM); Important Dates; Conferences & Webinars |
| October 12 | Online Testing Waiver Window Runs October 16-November 22, 2023; Assessment Facilitators of Michigan, Unite!; College Board (Online Waiver Requests for SAT with Essay and PSAT-Related Assessments, District Test Coordinator Webinar for SAT with Essay, PSAT 8/9, and PSAT 10, School Establishment and the Educational Entity Master (EEM)); ACT WorkKeys (Update EEM); Important Dates; Conferences & Webinars |
| October 5 | Accountability Student Growth Updates for 2022-23; College Board Corner (District Test Coordinator Webinar for SAT with Essay, PSAT 8/9, and PSAT 10, Technical Specifications for Digital Testing); ACT WorkKeys (New ACT Contact Information, Update EEM); Important Dates; Conferences & Webinars |
| September 28 | MiLearn Updates for the 2023-24 School Year; WIDA ACCESS Checklists Available; Accessing Previous WIDA Test Scores; Post - Graduation Opportunities Information Packet; College Board Corner (Technical Specifications for Digital Testing); ACT WorkKeys (Overview of the ACT WorkKeys Assessments (Student Preparation - Go for Platinum!); Important Dates |
| September 21 | WIDA Parent Guides; Are you new to WIDA? Arabic Translations of M-STEP, Grade 8, MME, and MI-Access Parent Reports are Available Now; Assessment Training Opportunities; College Board Corner (Digital SAT with Essay Responses, School Establishment and the Educational Entity Mater (EEM); Important Dates |
| September 14 | Managing Your District's WIDA Secure Portal Accounts; Focus on Assessment Literacy: What is Assessment Literacy and Why is it Important?; Assessment Training Opportunities, College Board Webinar, WIDA Webinars; College Board Corner (Reminders); Important Dates |
| September 7 | SAT Suite of Assessments Parental/Guardian Consent Documents Now Available; WIDA Screener Overview Webinar Reminder, Additional WIDA Webinars; Available for the Second Year: WIDA ACCESS and WIDA Alternate ACCESS Enrolled Students Score History Data File; College Board Corner (Digital Testing Applications); ACT WorkKeys (Reminders); Important Dates |
| August 31 | 2023 State Test Scores Improve in Many Grades in Math, Science, Social Studies, and English Language Arts; State Assessment Results Available Now in Mi Learn; Interpretive Guides to Reports Available Now; Public WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Reports Available on MiSchoolData; College Board Corner (Register for Upcoming MASSP Webinars); ACT WorkKeys (Reminders); Important Dates |
| August 24 | Embargoed Aggregated Assessment Reports and Files; Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments Student-Level Reports Available; Federal Requirement to Identify Potential English Learners; Are You New to WIDA?; K-12 Automatic English Learner (EL) Exits; College Board Corner (Reminders); ACT WorkKeys (Updating EEM) |
| August 17 | Embargoed Aggregated Assessment Reports and Files; M-STEP Parent Reports Arrive in Schools the Week of August 21, 2023; Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Fall 2023 Test Window; Updates to Required WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Assessment Course; Achieve Balance in Classroom Assessment; College Board Corner (Reminders); ACT WorkKeys (Reminders); Important Dates |
| August 10 | Spring 2023 Student-level Reports Available for M-STEP, SAT, PSAT-related, and ACT WorkKeys, and MI-Access; DRC INSIGHT Technology Coordinator Setup and Installation Training Available; Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments: DRC Online Training for District and Building Coordinators – Recording and PowerPoint Available; WIDA Screener Overview Webinars; Accountability Student Growth Updates for 2022-23; College Board Corner (April 2024 Test Dates; School Establishment and the Educational Entity Master (EEM)); ACT WorkKeys (Spring 2023 Score Reports Delivery and Returned Shipments); Important Dates |
| August 3 | Student Data Files Available Now for M-STEP, MI-Access, SAT, PSAT-related, and ACT WorkKeys; Spring 2024 Summative Assessment Calendar Available; The Time is Now! Make Sure School and District Contacts are Up to Date in the EEM for the 2023-24 School Year; Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments: Fall 2023 Test Window; DRC INSIGHT Portal Available for the Fall Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments; Spring 2023 Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessment Reports Now Available; Call to Action: Completion of the Extended Benchmark API in the Michigan Data Hub is Past Due!; Spring 2023 WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Student Data File Available; WIDA Reports Available on WIDA AMS as of July 1; "Hello - OEAA Calling..."; College Board Corner (April 2024 Test Dates, School Establishment and the Educational Entity Master (EEM); ACT WorkKeys (ACT WorkKeys Spring 2023 Score Reports, ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certification (ACT WorkKeys NCRC), Student Access to MyWorkKeys.com); Important Dates |
| June 29 | Spotlight on Summer Break during July; Spring 2023 Early Literacy and Mathematics Aggregate Reports Available; College Board Corner (Educator Score Release); Important Dates |
| June 22 | Spring 2023 MI-Access Test Post-Administration Survey; Reminders (Test Security Change for DRC INSIGHT; Spring 2023 M-STEP Test Administration Survey; Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment; Be a M-STEP or MI-Access Item Writer or Reviewer; Development Opportunity: Michigan Performance Assessment Cadre of Experts (MiPAC) – Cohort IV; Coming in August: Building a Better Assessment Future Conference); College Board Corner (Educator Score Release); Important Dates |
| June 15 | Test Security Change for DRC INSIGHT; College Board Corner (Educator Score Release); Important Dates |
| June 8 | Spring 2023 M-STEP Test Administration Survey; School Index Reminders - Submit Accurate REP & MSDS Information Now for Fall Accountability; M-STEP and MI-Access Answer Documents Received and Not Tested; Focus on Literacy Assessment: It's Time for Our Annual Assessment Literacy Summer Reading List, Resource: Building A Better Assessment Future Conference; College Board Corner (Transition to Digital Testing for Spring 2024); Important Dates |
| June 1 |
End-of-Testing Reminder for Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments; Thank You for a Successful MI-Access Test Administration!; Answer Documents and Not Tested and Accountable Students and Demographics for Spring 2023 Summative Assessments; College Board (Digital Testing in Spring 2024); ACT WorkKeys (Verification of Answer Documents Received, ACT WorkKeys Score Reports, ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (ACT WorkKeys NCRC, Student Access to MyWorkKeys.com); Important Dates |
| May 25 | Reminder: The MI-Access Testing Window Closes Tomorrow, May 26 at 4:00 p.m.; Thank You for a Successful M-STEP Test Administration!; Online Testing: Your input is needed; Ask OEAA Live Sessions: Accountable Students Enrolled and Demographics, Answer Documents Received and Not Tested; Focus on Literacy Assessment: What is the Process for Conducting an Assessment Inventory?; College Board Corner (School Testing Calendar); ACT WorkKeys (Verification of Answer Documents Received, ACT WorkKeys Score Reports, ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (ACT WorkKeys NCRC), Student Access to MyWorkKeys.com); Important Dates |
| May 18 | M-STEP: Spring 2023 Online Test Administration Window Closes Tomorrow!; MI-Access Social Studies Assessment Activities for SI/P; MI-Access: Reminders for Last Week of Testing Activities; M-STEP Passage-based Writing Survey; Spring 2023 Answer Documents Received and Not Tested Timelines; Achieve Balance in Classroom Assessment; College Board Corner (Reminders); ACT WorkKeys (Reminders); Important Dates |
| May 11 | M-STEP Online Test Administration Window Ends: May 19, 2023; End-of-Testing Reminders for MI-Access; M-STEP Paper/Pencil Secure Materials Must be Returned; Be a M-STEP or MI-Access Item Writer or Reviewer; College Board Corner (SAT Suite Ordering and Registration (SSOR) System); ACT WorkKeys (Thank You); Important Dates |
| May 4 | TOMORROW: End of M-STEP Test Administration for Online Grade 3 ELA and All Paper/Pencil Testing; MI-Access Reminder: Week 4 of Testing; College Board Corner (Spring 2024 Testing Window: Correction of Information on Michigan Testing Dates); ACT WorkKeys (Reminder); Important Dates |
| April 27 | End of M-STEP Test Administration Windows for Online Grade 3 ELA and all Paper/Pencil Testing; M-STEP Testing: When do I need to submit an Incident Report on the day of testing?; Spring 2023 Answer Documents Received and Not Tested Timelines; Coming in August: Building a Better Assessment Future Conference; Focus on Assessment Literacy: What is an Assessment Inventory and How Can it Support a Balanced Assessment System?; College Board Corner (Thank You!, Deadline to Return Materials: Friday, April 28 (Tomorrow), Score Release, Helping Students Access Scores, Matching Student Scores to a College Board Account); ACT WorkKeys (Returning Test Window 1 (Initial) Accommodations Test Materials, Test Window 2 (Makeup) Test Administration); Important Dates |
| April 20 | Required Benchmark Assessment Administration Reminder; Accountable Students Enrolled and Demographic Review; Now Available - M-STEP Test Administration Training 3: After Testing; WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Field Test Survey; Development Opportunity: Michigan Performance Assessment Cadre of Experts (MiPAC) - Cohort IV; RAQ; College Board Corner (Have Materials Been Returned?, Preparing for Makeups); ACT WorkKeys (Returning Test Window 1 (Initial) Accommodations Test Materials, Test Window 2 (Makeup) Test Administration); Important Dates |
| April 13 | M-STEP and MI-Access Testing Interruption; Makeup Orders for the College Board Suite of Assessments and ACT WorkKeys; Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments Student-Level Reports Available; Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Reports Now Available in MiLearn; Michigan Education Research Association (MERA) Spring Conference is April 21 in Lansing; College Board Corner (Important: Submit Makeup Materials Survey by Friday, April 14); ACT WorkKeys (Preparing Initial (Test Window 1) Test Materials for Return to ACT, Order Test Materials for Makeup Testing (Test Window 2), Test Window 2 (Makeup) Test Administration); Important Dates |
| April 6 | Common Testing Issues and How to Resolve Them; M-STEP and MI-Access Preliminary Reports; Calling all Educators!, Reminders; College Board (Ordering Makeup Materials, Returning Materials); ACT WorkKeys (Irregularities and Prohibited Behavior) Important Dates |
| March 30 | Ask OEAA Live Event: What to Expect for the 2024 Social Studies M-STEP; Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Repeating Grade 11 and Grade 12 MME Eligibility; New Multiplication Table Guidance; Recently Asked Questions; Reminders; College Board Corner: (Helpful Reminders for a Successful Test Day; Reminders); ACT WorkKeys: (Collect and Verify Test Materials After Each Test Session; Order Test Window 2 (Makeup) Test Materials; Return Answer Documents and Test Administration Forms to ACT; Return Secure Materials to ACT; Materials Pickup; Reminders); Important Dates |
| March 23 | Available Now: M-STEP Test Administration Training Chapters 1 and 2: Before Testing and During Testing; Online Testing: M-STEP Text-to-Speech (TTS) for Directions Functionality; WIDA ACCESS for ELLs and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs-Testing Window Closure and Material Return Deadline; Recently Asked Questions; Required Test Administration and Security Training by Assessment and Role; College Board Corner (PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 Test Book Shape Icons, Reminders); ACT WorkKeys (Reminders); Important Dates |
| March 16 | Closing tomorrow: Alternate INSIGHT Availability Request form for M-STEP, MI-Access; Available Now: M-STEP Test Administration Training Chapters 1 and 2: Before Testing and During Testing; Michigan Student Data System (MSDS) Updates for Assessment and Accountability Reporting; New Pre-ID Report Warnings on Homepage; Recently Asked Questions; Test Security; Focus on Assessment Literacy: What are the Key Characteristics of a Balanced Assessment System?; College Board Corner (Reminders); ACT WorkKeys (Briefing Session with School Staff, Testing Activities, Timings of Assessments, Break Policy); Important Dates |
| March 9 | State Superintendent's Letter Regarding Spring Assessments is Available Now; M-STEP Online Test Administrator's Directions and Manuals Available Now; DRC INSIGHT Portal Available; Text-to-Speech Guidance for M-STEP; WIDA ACCESS Additional Material Order Window Closing; WIDA ACCESS for ELLs and WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELLs - End of Testing Reminders; College Board Corner (Pre-Recorded Audio (MP3 via Streaming) Action Required, Postadministration Activities Webinar, Reminders) ; ACT WorkKeys (Reminders); Important Dates |
| March 2 | Important SAMS Update Regarding Benchmark Assessment Funding Grant; Alternate INSIGHT Availability Request Form for M-STEP, MI-Access; DRC INSIGHT Portal Available; State Assessment Exemptions for English Learners Who are Recent Arrivals; Alternate ACCESS Field Test Transcription Guidance; FAME Project Accepting New Coach Applications for 2023-2024; Educators Needed for MI-Access Standard Setting Validation in Science (June 2023); Spotlight on Tools for Teachers; Assessment Training: DRC INSIGHT Portal Training Opportunities; Assessment Training; College Board Corner (College Board Training, Preparing for Test Day Webinar); ACT WorkKeys (Test Site Selection, Prepare Student Answer Documents); Important Dates |
| February 23 | “Ask OEAA Live” Event: Test Administration for Spring 2023 Michigan State Assessments; Winter 2023 Early Literacy and Mathematics Aggregate Reports Available; MI-Access FI and SI/P Test Administration Manuals Now Available; New Multiplication Table Guidance; Corrected Video Links: Supports and Accommodations Resources for Educators; College Board Corner (Coordinator Planning Kit Arriving Next Week, College Board Training, Preparing for Test Day Webinar); ACT WorkKeys (Testing Staff Requirements, Training Your Testing Staff, Training Webinars, Test Materials Shipments, Ordering Additional Test Materials); Important Dates |
| February 16 | MI-Access FI Test Administration Manual Now Available; Supports and Accommodations Resources for Educators (Teacher Guides) and Videos; Spring 2023 Michigan Merit Exam/PSAT in High School and Grade 8 Test Administration Training - Part II; DRC District/Building Coordinator Online Test Administration Training Webinars; Assessment Training; College Board Corner (Online College Board Training); ACT WorkKeys (ACT WorkKeys Training Webinars, Timing of Assessments, Break Policy); Important Dates |
| February 9 | Update on Benchmark Assessment Funding Grant; Spring 2024 Testing Schedule is Now Available; WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Field Test: Materials and Testing Reminders; Focus on Assessment Literacy: What is Validity and Reliability in Student Assessment?; Available Now: Spring 2023 Michigan Merit Exam/PSAT in High School and Grade 8 Test Administration Training - Part II; Register Now: DRC District/Building Coordinator Online Test Administration Training Webinars; College Board Corner (Pre-ID In the OEAA Secure Site, Accommodation Request Deadline is February 21); ACT WorkKeys (ACT WorkKeys Test Materials Shipments, Ordering Additional ACT WorkKeys Test Materials, Student Preparation-Go for Platinum!); Important Dates |
| February 2 | College Entrance Exam Awarded Contract; WIDA Incident Reports; Screening Potential English Learners During the WIDA ACCESS Testing Window; WIDA Additional School/District Labels; Available Now: Spring 2023 Michigan Merit Exam/PSAT in High School and Grade 8 Test Administration Training - Part II; Register Now: DRC District/Building Coordinator Online Test Administration Training Webinars; Assessment Training: Important Dates; College Board Corner (Coming Soon); ACT WorkKeys (ACT WorkKeys Test Administration Resources, Pre-identify Students and Order WorkKeys Test Materials, ACT Upcoming Events and Deadlines); Important Dates |
| January 26 | Michigan Virtual 2022-23 Assessment Security Modules Are Now Available; New Pre-ID Report Enhancements; Assessment Training: DRC District/Building Coordinator Training Webinars Coming Soon; Assessment Training: Important Dates; College Board Corner (Michigan Testing Manuals); ACT WorkKeys; Important Dates |
| January 19 | REMINDER: 2022-23 Sending Scores Back Program for Shared Educational Entities (SEEs and S2E2s)-Application Deadline is January 30; Mark Your Calendars for DRC District/Building Coordinator Training Webinars; Ordering WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Materials; Bubbling-in Student Information on WIDA Test Booklets; Supports and Accommodations Guidance Document and Planning Resources Available for State Assessments; Ask OEAA Live Event: Pre-Identification of Students and Initial Material Orders; College Board Corner (State-Allowed Accommodations and English Learner Supports Window, Verify School Establishment, Pre-ID in the OEAA Secure Site, Preparing for the Test Day Webinar); ACT WorkKeys (Off-site Testing, ACT WorkKeys Training Webinars); Important Dates |
| January 12 | M-STEP Test Administration Manual Available Now; Alternate INSIGHT Availability Request Form Available M-STEP, MI-Access; MI-Access 1% Cap Justification Form Feedback; Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments Student-Level Reports Available; English Learner (EL) Program Implementation Survey; WIDA Parent Guides; Focus on Assessment Literacy: What is the Purpose of Summative Assessment?; College Board Corner (Preparing for the Test Day Webinar); ACT WorkKeys (ACT WorkKeys Training Webinars, ACT WorkKeys Test Administration Resources); Important Dates |
| January 5 | Pre-Identification and Material Orders for SAT, PSAT, WorkKeys, M-STEP, and MI-Access; Off-Site Requests Now Open for ACT WorkKeys, MI-Access, and M-STEP; WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Materials Arrive in Districts on January 30; Michigan-Specific WIDA Test Administration Manual Available; College Board Corner (Preparing for Test Day Webinar; Verify School Establishment; Request Off-site Testing); ACT WorkKeys (Pre-identify Students and Order WorkKeys Test Materials; Completing Manage Participation; Student Preparation – Go for Platinum!); Important Dates |
|
DATE |
SUMMARY OF COMMUNICATIONS |
|---|---|
| December 22 | 2022-23 Annual Education Report (AER) Public Availability; Michigan School Grades Reports Publicly Available; New: WIDA ACCESS and WIDA Alternate ACCESS Enrolled Students Score History Data File; College Board Corner (Accommodations and Support Webinar Posted, Verify School Establishment, Questions, Request Off-site Testing); ACT WorkKeys (Completing Manage Participation); Important Dates |
| December 15 | Michigan School Grades Reports Available for Preview Now; 2022-23 Annual Education Report (AER) Preview Available; Benchmark Assessment Reporting - Thank You; Coming January 10 - Ask OEAA LIVE: English Learners and State Assessments; 2022-23 Sending Scores Back Program for Shared Educational Entities (SEEs and S2E2s) - Applications NOW Available; College Board Corner (Accommodations and Support Webinar Posted, Verify School Establishment, Adding Students in SSD (Services for Students with Disabilities) Online, Request Off-Site Testing); ACT WorkKeys (Completing Manage Participation); Important Dates |
| December 8 | Michigan School Grades Reports Preview Available Next Week; 2022-23 Annual Education Report (AER) Preview Coming in December; Spring 2023 Assessment Initial Material Orders; WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Pre-Identification/Material Order Reminder; WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Field Test; WIDA Test Exceptions & False English Learner (EL) Guidance; Required WIDA Assessment courses and Webinars Available in WIDA Secure Portal; WIDA AMS Test Setup Window Opening; Focus on Assessment Literacy: Winter 2022 Assessment Literacy Reading List; College Board Corner (Important Tasks for the Spring 2023 Administration); ACT WorkKeys Pre-Identify Students and Order WorkKeys Test Materials, Completing Manage Participation) ; Important Dates |
| December 1 | Approaching Deadline: Benchmark Assessments Reporting and Funding Application; 2021-22 School Accountability Results Released to the Public on Tuesday (11/29) on MISchoolData.org; Fall 2022 Early Literacy and Mathematics Aggregate Reports Available; College Board Corner (Resources for Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Coordinators, Important Tasks for the Spring 2023 Administration); ACT WorkKeys (Completing Manage Participation); Important Dates |
| November 17 | Preview Now Available: 2021-22 School Accountability Reports and Accountability Student Datafiles on MI School Data; M-STEP Passage-based Writing Field Test: Test Administration Guide Available Now; Now Available: Lists of Important Dates for SAT with Essay, PSAT 10, PSAT 8/9, and ACT WorkKeys; MDE Interpretive Guide to PSAT-related Reports is Now Available; Pre-ID for SAT, PSAT, WorkKeys, M-STEP, and MI-Access; Pre-Identification for Winter 2023 M-STEP Online Passage-based Writing Field Test Grades 3-8; WIDA Pre-ID of Students and Initial Material Order; WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Paper/Pencil Materials; WIDA Test Exceptions & False English Learner (EL) Guidance; Should English Learners with Disabilities Take the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs or the WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELLs?; Plan Now to Attend the 2023 Michigan School Testing Conference; College Board Corner (Accommodations and Supports Webinar for SSD Coordinators, Important Tasks for Spring 2023 Administration); ACT WorkKeys (ACT State Testing Website, Completing Manage Participation); Important Dates |
| November 10 | 2021-2022 School Accountability Reports and Accountability Student Datafiles Now Available for Preview on MI School Data; Now Available: Benchmark Assessments Reporting and Funding Application; Recognition of Successful Test Administration Monitoring and Observations; Ask OEAA LIVE Event Recording is Available; Focus on Assessment Literacy: What is the Purpose of Interim/Benchmark Assessments?; College Board Corner (Important Tasks for the Spring 2023 Administration); ACT WorkKeys (ACT WorkKeys Assessments Overview, Completing Manage Participation); Important Dates |
| November 3 | Week of November 7: Michigan School Index System Reports and Accountability Student Datafiles Available; Now Available: Benchmark Assessments Reporting and Funding Application; Now Available: Lists of Important Dates for M-STEP, MI-Access, Early Literacy and Mathematics, and WIDA; Public Comment on 1% Cap Waiver for MI-Access; ISD and District Justification Forms Available in Catamaran; DRC INSIGHT Technology Readiness Training for Technology Coordinators; Available Now: Spring 2023 Michigan Merit Exam/PSAT in High School and Grade 8 Test Administration Training - Part I; College Board Corner (Implementation Overview Webinar for SAT with Essay, PSAT 8/9, and PSAT 10, Spring 2023 Establishment); ACT WorkKeys (Completing Manage Participation); Important Dates |
| October 27 | Michigan School Index System Reports and Accountability Student Datafiles Coming Soon; Off-Site Request Calendar for 2022-23 School Year; College Board Corner (Questions about Spring SAT PSAT 8/9, or PSAT 10?, Coordinator Implementation Handbook (Spring 2023) Now Available!, 2022-2023 Accommodations and Supports Handbook Now Available!, Off-site Testing Plans); ACT WorkKeys (Completing Manage Participation); Important Dates |
| October 20 | NEW! Ask OEAA Monthly LIVE Events; Updated 2022-23 Assessment Integrity Guide Released; End-of-Testing Reminder for Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments; PSAT 8/9 for grade 9 and PSAT 10 Student Level and Aggregated Reports Now Available; WIDA Kindergarten Bias/Sensitivity and Content Review; WIDA Assessment Office Hours; WIDA In-Person Trainings & Webinars; Coming Soon: 1% Cap Waiver Public Comment and Justification Forms; Michigan Education Research Association Fall Conference Focus is November 21-22; College Board Corner (Spring 2023 Establishment, Coordinator Implementation Handbook (Spring 2023) Now Available!, 2022-2023 Accommodations and Supports Handbook Now Available!, Implementation Overview Webinar for SAT with Essay, PSAT 8/9, and PSAT 10, Off-site Testing Plans); ACT WorkKeys (Upcoming Manage Participation, Updating EEM); Important Dates |
| October 13 | Michigan School Index Systems Reports and Accountability Student Data Files Coming Soon; Online Testing Waiver Window; Focus on Assessment Literacy: What is the Purpose of Formative Assessment?; College Board Corner (School and District Contacts); ACT WorkKeys (Updating EEM); Important Dates |
| October 6 | Spring 2023 Audio and Video Recordings for Paper/Pencil M-STEP and MI-Access Now Available only on Flash Drive; Now Available - Accountability Best Practices: Data Reporting Guide for Trouble-Free Accountability Data; College Board (Implementation Overview for SAT with Essay, PSAT 8/9, and PSAT 10, Off-site Testing Plans); ACT WorkKeys (ACT WorkKeys Assessment: Overview and Student Preparation, Student Preparation - Go for Platinum!); Important Dates |
| September 29 | Student Growth and Proficiency Reports Available Now; 2022-23 Guide to State Assessments Now Available; WIDA ACCESS Checklists Available; Accessing Previous WIDA Test Scores; College Board Corner; Important Dates |
| Benchmark Assessment Resources Now Available; WIDA List of Important Dates; WIDA In-Person Trainings & Webinars; WIDA Parent Guides; Are you new to WIDA?; College Board Corner; Important Dates | |
| September 15 | Benchmark Assessments Update; Upcoming Webinar: Reporting Benchmark Assessment Results through the MiDataHub; Student Rostering: MiDataHub, MiLearn, and Benchmark Reporting; Updated M-STEP Target Analysis Report Training Materials Available; Who Must/Can Take the Michigan Merit Exam (MME)?; Managing Your District's WIDA Secure Portal Accounts; Focus on Assessment Literacy: How Does the Purpose of Assessment Relate to Assessment Literacy?; College Board Corner (School Preparations for Spring 2023 Testing; School and District Contacts); Important Dates |
| September 8 | Spring 2022 Parent Reports; 2021-2022 Graduation Rate Appeals Window; reminder: Report "Building Pupil Would Otherwise Attend" for Shared Educational Entities (SEEs) and Specialized Shared Educational Entities (S2E2) Students; Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments Student-Level Reports Available; Entrance and Exit Protocol Updated for English Learners; WIDA Screener Overview Webinar Reminder; Off-Site Requests Now Open for WIDA Screener; College Board Corner (School and District Contacts, April 2023 Test Dates); ACT WorkKeys (Updating EEM); Important Dates |
| September 1 | State Test Scores Improve for a Majority of Michigan School Districts; 2022 Preliminary Ready by Grade Three Retention Estimates; Updated 2022-23 OEAA Electronic Device Policy; M-STEP Interpretive Guides to Reports Available Now; College Board Corner (School and District Contacts); Important Dates |
| August 25 | Important Update: District and School Level Reports for Spring 2022 Available Tomorrow, Friday, August 26; Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments Performance Level and Scale Score Ranges Document Available; Federal Requirement to Identify Potential English Learners; Are you new to WIDA?; Kindergarten W-APT Discontinuation Reminder; College Board Corner (School and District Contacts); Important Dates |
| August 18 | Embargoed Aggregated Assessment Date Coming Wednesday, August 24; M-STEP Parent Reports Arriving in Schools; The Time is Now! Make Sure School and District Contacts are Up to Date in the EEM for the 2022-23 School Year; College Board Corner (April 2023 Dates, Important Notes, Testing Students with Accommodations); ACT WorkKeys (Spring 2022 Score Reports Delivery and Return Shipments); Important Dates |
| August 11 | Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessment: Fall 2022 Test Window; Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments: DRC District and Building Coordinator Training Webinar Available; DRC INSIGHT Portal Available; M-STEP Social Studies Updates; Spring 2022 WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Student Data File Available; WIDA Reports Available Online in WIDA AMS; WIDA Reports Arrive in Districts August 23; Public WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Reports Available on MiSchoolData; WIDA Screener Overview Webinar; Development Opportunity: Michigan Performance Assessment Cadre of Experts (MiPAC) - Cohort III; College Board Corner (April 2023 Test Dates, Important Notes, Testing Students with Accommodations) ACT WorkKeys (Spring 2022 Score Reports Delivery and Returned Shipments); Important Dates |
| August 4 | Spring 2022 Student-level Score Reports Available; Student Data Files Available Now for: M-STEP, MI-Access, SAT, PSAT-related, and ACT WorkKeys; DRC INSIGHT Technology Coordinator Setup and Installation Training Available; Development Opportunity: Michigan Performance Assessment Cadre of Experts (MiPAC) – Cohort III |
| June 30 | Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark TAM and Online Directions for Fall 2022; Spring 2022 Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Student Data Files and Aggregate Data Files; College Board Corner (Paper Score Reports); Important Dates |
| June 23 | DRC Summer Technology Updates; DRC Training Webinar for District and Building Coordinators: Fall 2022 Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments; Important Dates for Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments; K-12 Automatic English Learner (EL) Exits; Fall 2022 Pre-ID and Test Session Setup for Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments (K-2); School Index Access Metrics: REP Reporting Reminder; College Board Corner (Paper Score Reports); Important Dates |
| June 16 | Spring 2022 MI-Access Post-Administration Survey; We want your feedback! Test Monitoring Application Usage Survey; College Board (School Testing Calendar); Important Dates |
| June 9 | Spring 2022 Benchmark Assessment and Mod of Instruction Reporting; School Index Access Metrics: REP Reporting Reminder; Kindergarten W-APT Discontinued After June 30; WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Score Report Availability; Focus on Assessment Literacy: Summer 2022 Assessment Literacy Reading List; College Board Corner (School Testing Calendar); Important Dates |
| June 2 | Thank You for Your Efforts This Assessment Season!; End of Testing for Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments; Now Available - M-STEP Test Administration Training 3: After Testing; An Update on National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and International Assessments; Urgent Need for Western and Northern Michigan Special Educators for July MI-Access Standard Setting; College Board Corner (Answer Document Received Runs May 31- June 6, 2022, The Not Tested Reason Submission Runs June 7 - June 21, 2022); Important Dates |
| May 26 | End of Testing Reminder for MI-Access; End of Testing for Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments; WIDA ACCESS for ELLs: Answer Documents Received and Not Tested Review; College Board Corner (Reminders); ACT WorkKeys (Verification of Answer Documents Received, ACT WorkKeys Score Reports, Student Access to MyWorkKeys.com, ACT Schedule of Events & Important Dates) ; Important Dates |
| May 19 | Coming in August: Building a Better Assessment Future Conference; Focus on Assessment Literacy: How Does Understanding the Standard-Setting Process Improve Assessment Literacy?, Case Study: Standard Setting for Michigan's Early Literacy and mathematics Benchmark Assessments, Resources, Put Into Practice; College Board Corner (Score Release, Helping Students Access Scores); ACT WorkKeys (Verification of Answer Documents Received, ACT WorkKeys Score Reports, ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (ACT WorkKeys NCRC, Student Access to MyWorkKeys.com, ACT Schedule of Events & Important Dates); Important Dates |
| May 12 | Spring 2023 Summative Assessment Calendar; MI-Access End-of-Testing Reminders; MI-Access Outstanding Incident Reports; MI-Access Important Dates; MI-Access FAQ: How can I check the status of FI Online Testing for Students?; Spring 2022 Answer Documents Received and Not Tested Timelines; Feeling Anxious About Accountability? We have Updated Resources to Help; College Board Corner (College Board Testing Ordering Site Open for Fall Testing, Score Release, Helping Students Access Scores); ACT WorkKeys Returning ACT WorkKeys Test Materials, ACT Schedule of Events & Important Dates); Important Dates |
| May 5 | Tomorrow is the Last Day for M-STEP Grade 3 ELA Testing; M-STEP Paper/Pencil Materials Return Deadline: May 11, 2022; Important M-STEP Security Protocols; Educators Needed for MI-Access Standard Setting in Science; Thank You for Your Service; College Board Corner (College Board Test Ordering Site Open for Fall Testing, Helping Students Access Scores); ACT WorkKeys (Thank you for a Successful Year); Important Dates |
| April 28 | Final Week of Test Window for M-STEP Online Grade 3 English Language Arts and Paper/Pencil All Grades/All; Accountable Students Enrolled and Demographics Review for Spring 2022; Feeling Anxious About Accountability? We have Updated Resources to Help; College Board Corner (Thank you!, Deadline to Return Materials April 29, Score Release, Helping Students Access Scores, Matching Student Scores to a College Board Account, Returning Materials); ACT WorkKeys (Test Window 2 (Makeup) Test Administration); Important Dates |
| April 21 | Updated FedEx Procedures to Return Secure Assessment Materials; College Board Corner (Have Materials Been Returned?, Preparing for Makeups, Returning Materials); ACT WorkKeys (Returning Test Window 1 (Initial) Test Materials to ACT, Test Window 2 (Makeup) Test Administration) ; Important Dates |
| April 14 | Online Testing: Issue with Keyboard Settings on Chrome Operating Systems; M-STEP Online Testing: Using Text-to-Speech (TTS) for Directions Only; Spring 2022 Preliminary Student Roster Reports for M-STEP and MI-Access; Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments Student-Level Reports Available; New Kindergarten WIDA Screener Reminder; MiDataHub Mode of Instruction Webinar; Focus on Assessment Literacy: What is the Purpose of Summative Assessment?; Reminders; College Board Corner (Important: Submit Survey by Friday, April 15 for Makeup Materials, Ordering Makeup Materials, Returning Materials); ACT WorkKeys (Preparing Test Materials for Return to ACT, Returning Test Materials to ACT Order Test Materials for Makeup Testing (test Window 2); Important Dates |
| April 7 | Spring 2022 Testing Window Opens Monday April 11; Common Problems: How to Avoid Testing Irregularities and Incident Reports; M-STEP and MI-Access Preliminary Reports and Interpretive Guides to Preliminary Reports; Accountability: Updated FAQ and 2021 Assessment Participation Details Now Available; New Kindergarten WIDA Screener; College Board Corner (Ordering Makeup Materials, Returning Materials, Test Book Usage, Error in SAT Standard Testing Manual and SAT Accommodated Testing Manual); ACT WorkKeys (ACT WorkKeys Administration Manual-Standard Time Paper Testing, Important Testing Reminders); Important Dates |
| March 31 | iPads running iPadOS v15.4 will experience problems during state testing; Accountability: Updated School Index Resources Now Available; Final Reminders; College Board Corner (Error in SAT Standard Testing Manual and SAT Accommodated Testing Manual, Helpful Reminders for a Successful Test Day), ; ACT WorkKeys (Collect and Verify Test Materials After Each Test Session, Order Test Window 2 (Makeup) Test Materials, Return Other Secure Materials to ACT, Materials Pickup) Important Dates |
| March 24 | New Look for MDE Website; Audio Playback Issue on iPads Intended for M-STEP, MI-Access, and Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Testing; WIDA ACCESS for ELLs and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs - Testing Window Closure and Material Return Deadline; Be a Leader in Quality Assessment: Join the Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment Program; Focus on Assessment Literacy: How are Summative Assessments Important to School Improvement Process?; College Board Corner (Spring 2022 Test Book Usage and Return Information Guide, Test Materials, Additional Material Order Window, Action Required for pre-recorded Audio Accommodation); ACT WorkKeys (Briefing Session with School Staff, Testing Activities, Timings of Assessments, Break Policy); Important Dates |
| March 17 | Important Update: State Superintendent's Letter Regarding Spring Assessments; Spring Benchmark Aggregate Rules and Templates Available; Technology Update for Technology Coordinators: Are you prepared for testing?; What are Reporting Codes and Research Codes, and How Can Districts and Schools Use them?; WIDA ACCESS for ELLs and WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELLs - End of Testing Reminders; Now Available: MI-Access "Focus on Administration" Training Video; College Board Corner (Nonstandard Administration Report (NAR) Now Available, Test Material Deliveries Begin Next Week, Additional Material Order Window); ACT WorkKeys (Test Materials Deliveries, Prepare for Testing, ACT WorkKeys Training Webinars); Important Dates |
| March 10 | State Superintendent's Letter Regarding Spring Assessments is Available Now; Additional Material Orders for Spring 2022; WIDA ACCESS Additional Material Order Window Closing; Text-to-Speech Guidance for M-STEP; Supporting Staffing Shortages; Required Assessment Security Training; OEAA Assessment Security Compliance Forms; Standard Setting for Michigan's Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments; Spring 2022 Michigan Educational Research Association (MERA) Virtual Conference is April 29; College Board Corner (Pre-Recorded Audio (MP3 via Streaming) Action Required, Coming Soon); ACT WorkKeys (Test Materials Deliveries, Prepare for Testing, ACT WorkKeys Training Webinars); Important Dates |
| March 3 | The DRC INSIGHT Portal Available; Off-site Test Administration Requests for 2021-22 School Year; M-STEP and MI-Access Office Hours; New Kindergarten WIDA Screener; State Assessment Exemptions for English Learners Who are Recent Arrivals; FAME Project Accepting New Coach Applications for 2022-23; College Board Corner; ACT WorkKeys (Preparing for the Test Administration, ACT WorkKeys Training Webinars); Important Dates |
| February 24 | MI-Access Test Administration Manuals Now Available; Supports and Accommodations Resources; New M=STEP Designated Supports; New Multiplication Table Guidance; Winter 2022 Early Literacy and Mathematics Aggregate Reports Available; College Board Corner (College Board Training); ACT WorkKeys (Testing Staff Requirements, Training Your Testing Staff, ACT WorkKeys Training Webinars, ACT WorkKeys Test Materials Shipments) ; Important Dates |
| February 17 | Foreign Exchange Students are to take the MME, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9 in Spring 2022; Focus on Assessment Literacy: Test Security Essential to Ensuring Valid, Accurate Results; College Board Corner (College Board Training, Reminders); ACT WorkKeys (ACT WorkKeys Test Materials Shipments, Ordering Additional ACT WorkKeys Test Materials); Important Dates |
| February 10 | DRC INSIGHT Issues for Online WIDA ACCESS for ELLs; Pre-Identification for Spring 2022 Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessment (K-2); Pre-Identification and Material Orders for Spring 2022 SAT, PSAT, WorkKeys, MI-Access, and M-STEP; Last Minute Secure Site Help Before Spring 2022 Deadlines; Reminders; College Board Corner (Translated Test Directions;, Preparing for Test Day Webinar, Michigan Testing Manuals); ACT WorkKeys (ACT WorkKeys Training Webinars, Pre-identify Students and Order WorkKeys Test Materials; Off-site Testing); Important Dates |
| February 3 | M-STEP Test Administration Manual Available Now; Download Updated M-STEP Spanish and Arabic Glossaries - Dispose of Any Previous Versions; Training Sessions Available Now for Spring 2022 High School Michigan Merit Exam/PSAT and Grade 8 Test Administration, Part II; Do you have Questions or Need Help with the OEAA Secure Site?; College Board Corner (Preparing for Test Day Webinar, Coming Soon, College Board Announcement, Michigan Testing Manuals); Important Dates |
| January 27 | Updated Assessment Security Training; DRC District/Building Coordinator Training Webinars Schedule for March; New Digital SAT Will bring Student-Friendly Changes to Test Experience in 2024; M-STEP Online Test Administrator's Directions and Manuals Available Now; End of Testing for Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments and M-STEP Passage-based Writing Field Test; WIDA Assessment Courses and Webinars Available in WIDA Secure Portal; WIDA Testing Must be Completed in Person; Ordering WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Materials; Bubbling-in Student Information on WIDA Test Booklets; Supports & Accommodations Guidance Document & Planning Resources Available for State Assessments; Register Now for the Michigan School Testing Conference "Learn, Share & Discover," February 22-24; College Board Corner (College Board Announcement, Coming Soon, Michigan Testing Manuals), ACT WorkKeys (Off-site Testing, ACT WorkKeys Training Webinars, Pre-identify Students and Order WorkKeys Test Materials); Important Dates |
| January 20 | Applications Now Available for the 2021-22 Sending Scores back Program for Shared Educational Entities; Participate Now in the Writing Skills Field Test, Preparation for Passage-based Writing; WIDA Parent Guides; Healthy and Safe Testing Planning Guide for WIDA; Assessment Waiver Requested for Oxford Public Schools; 2022 Michigan School Testing Conference; MI-Access Grade Level and Alignment Changes for Science; College Board Corner; Important Dates |
| January 13 | Update on Spring 2022 Assessments; Accountability Best Practices: Date Reporting Guide for Trouble-Free Accountability Data Now Available; Inviting your Participation: Writing Skills Field Test, Preparing for Passage-based Writing; MI-Access Grade Level and Alignment Changes for Science; WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Materials Arrive in Districts on January 28; 2022 Michigan School Testing conference: Learn, Share & Discover Information and Ideas about Student Assessment; Focus on Assessment Literacy: Benchmark Assessments Provide Predictive, Evaluative and Instructional Data to Support Student Learning; College Board Corner (Check "Important Dates" SAT Essay, Pre-ID in the OEAA Secure Site, Determining Test Material Orders; State-Allowed Accommodations and English Learner Supports Window); ACT WorkKeys (ACT WorkKeys Training Packets, ACT WorkKeys Training Webinars, Complete ACT's Manage Participation Process, Pre-identify Students and Order WorkKeys Test Materials); Important Dates |
| January 6 | Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments Student-Level Reports Available; MI-Access Grade Level and Alignment Changes for Science; OPEN NOW: M-STEP Passage-based Writing Field Test Administration Window; Alternate INSIGHT Availability Request Window: January 6 - March 18, 2022; Pre-ID and Material Orders - SAT, PSAT, WorkKeys, M-STEP, and MI-Access; College Board Corner (SSD Online Issue); ACT WorkKeys (Pre-identify Students and Order WorkKeys Test Materials, Complete ACT Manage Participation Process); Important Dates |
