Assessment
In order to determine how students are progressing through the ZPS curriculum, both state and local assessments are administered throughout the year. For more detailed information on each of these assessments, please see the information & links below.
State Assessments
M-STEP: Michigan student test of educational progress
A summative assessment called the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) is administered to students in the following grades and subject areas each spring:
- English Language Arts & Mathematics Grades 3–7
- Science & Social Studies Grades 5, 8 & 11
PSAT 8/9
At Grade 8, students will take the PSAT in the spring. The PSAT assesses both English Language Arts & Mathematics.
PSAT 10
At Grade 10, this test provides practice for the SAT by measuring students' abilities in reading, writing/language, and math.
PSAT/NMSQT: Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
At Grade 11, the PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test that provides practice for the SAT. It also gives students the chance to enter the National Merit Scholarship Corporations (NMSC) scholarship programs. The PSAT/NMSQT measures reading, writing/language, and math skills.
MME: Michigan merit examination
At Grade 11, students take the Michigan Merit Examination (MME). This assessment includes the following:
- SAT with Essay which assesses English Language Arts & Mathematics
- M-STEP Science & Social Studies
- The ACT WorkKeys
MI-Access: michigan's alternate assessment program
MI-ACCESS is Michigan's alternate assessment system designed for students who have, or function as if they have, cognitive impairments. A student's IEP (Individualized Educational Program) team determines if this assessment is appropriate for students when general assessments, with accommodations, are not.
WIDA: World class instructional design & assessment
WIDA is an English language proficiency assessment given to Kindergarten through 12th graders who have been identified as English language learners.
other Helpful Links:
PSAT and SAT College Board Website
District Assessments
In addition to the required state assessments, ZPS administers local assessments to determine how students are progressing through their grade level curriculum. Teachers work together to study the data from these assessments and make instructional decisions based on how students are performing.
Young 5's - Grade 8 Star Testing
In grades Young 5's through 8, students take an online, adaptive assessment called Star. English Language Arts & Mathematics are assessed with this norm-referenced tool.
Common Assessments
Our teachers continue to work on common assessments as our curriculum is refined. These assessments are aligned to the state standards and help us to know what our students are learning.