Spring 2021 Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress - M-STEP Paper/Pencil Test Administrator's Directions and Manual
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TM
M-STEP Paper/Pencil
Test Administrator’s
Directions and Manual
Grade 8
Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress
Spring 2021
Michigan Department of Education
Office of Educational Assessment and AccountabilityCopyright © 2021, held by the State Administrative Board, State of Michigan. Michigan schools have permission to duplicate this product for use within Michigan schools.
MICHIGAN STUDENT
TEST OF
EDUCATIONAL TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROGRESS
INTRODUCTION................................. 1 Security Compliance .......................... 6
Assessments Covered......................... 1 Training Requirements
and Resources for Students................. 7
Key.................................................. 1
Resources for Students
to Prepare for Testing........................... 7
OVERVIEW........................................ 2
Introduction...................................... 2 BEFORE TESTING............................... 8
M-STEP Assessments.......................... 2 Before Testing Checklist...................... 8
What’s New....................................... 2 Test Materials Needed for M-STEP......... 9
Science............................................. 3 DURING TESTING............................ 10
Calculator Policy for
Science Assessments............................ 3 Important Tasks During Testing...........10
Managing Student Test Materials.......... 10
Social Studies.................................... 3
Permitted Items in Testing Room.........10
Required Grade 8 Testing.................... 3
Providing Assistance..........................11
Scratch Paper Guidelines .................... 3
Student Questions.............................. 11
Designated Supports and
Accommodations................................ 3 Test Directions for the
Student Demographic Page –
Call Center Contact Information........... 4 All M-STEP Grade 8 Assessments.........12
Administration Directions for Completing
OEAA Communications
the Student Data Grid......................... 12
with Schools and Districts.................... 4
Test Directions for Grade 8
Standardized Testing.......................... 4
Science Day 1: Part 1........................15
Testing Schedules............................... 5
Test Directions for Grade 8
Test Session Timings.......................... 5 Science Day 1: Part 2........................17
Assessment Security........................... 5 Test Directions for Grade 8
Social Studies...................................18
Overview of Required
Security Practices ................................ 5
Assessment Security Training ................ 5 AFTER TESTING............................... 20
Material Security ............................... 6 Assemble Materials
for Return........................................20
Test Administration ............................ 6
Checklist for Test Administrators.........20
M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021 iiiMICHIGAN STUDENT
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APPENDICES................................... 21 APPENDIX B:
M-STEP Scratch Paper Policy...............23
APPENDIX A:
Terms............................................... 23
M-STEP Calculator Policy....................21
Online Testers: Mathematics ............... 23
Online and Paper/Pencil Testers ..........21 Online Testers:
Mathematics...................................... 21 English Language Arts,
Science, and Social Studies................. 23
Science............................................. 21
Paper/Pencil Testers: Mathematics........ 23
Online Testers ..................................21 Paper/Pencil Testers:
English Language Arts,
Paper/Pencil Testers ..........................21 Science, and Social Studies................. 24
Important Notes...............................21 APPENDIX C:
Alignment......................................... 21 M-STEP Incident Reporting Guide........25
Fairness............................................ 22
Managing Online Testers and
External Hand-held Calculators ........... 22
iv M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021MICHIGAN STUDENT
INTRODUCTION
TEST OF
EDUCATIONAL INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
PROGRESS
The M-STEP Grade 8 Test Administrator’s Assessments Covered
Paper/Pencil Directions and Manual includes
all information that a Test Administrator needs These test directions apply to the following
to know to administer any grade 8 M-STEP Grade 8 assessments:
assessment. With the exception of the Test • Science
Directions for content you will not administer,
Test Administrators are required to read this • Social Studies
document in its entirety before administering
any grade 8 M-STEP assessment.
The following sections are included in this
document:
• Overview
• Before Testing
• During Testing
• Test Administration Directions
• After Testing
Key
Icons Descriptions
[SAY]
Speak the words in the shaded box.
TIP! Icon This is a tip to help with a smooth testing
experience.
M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021 1MICHIGAN STUDENT
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OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
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Introduction all grades assessed (5, 8, and 11). Students
are allowed to take breaks during testing.
On January 25, 2021, the Michigan Department Schools and districts should work with Test
of Education (MDE) delivered a request to the Administrators to determine when breaks are
U.S. Department of Education to waive certain necessary and in the best interest of students.
assessment and accountability requirements
of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act To simplify the materials Test Administrators
(ESSA) including the Spring 2021 M-STEP. To are required to read before testing, MDE has
comply with current law, MDE and the Office created updated Test Administrator’s Directions
of Educational Assessment and Accountability and Manual documents (this document) for
(OEAA) must continue to prepare for the each grade by test mode (online and paper/
required spring assessments in the event pencil). These updated documents include test
the USED does not grant our waiver request. administration directions and other materials
Updates regarding the status of this request that cover everything Test Administrators need
will be provided through the weekly Spotlight to know regarding test administration. This
on Assessment and Accountability newsletter. updated information would otherwise have
Please know the health, safety, and well-being been included in the Test Administration Manual
of students, educators, and their families is (TAM). Therefore, Test Administrators are no
MDE’s first priority. longer required to read the TAM; however, they
are required to read the Test Administrator’s
Directions and Manual (this document) before
M-STEP Assessments administering any M-STEP test session.
The Spring 2021 Michigan Student Test of In order to help with Test Schedule development,
Educational Progress (M-STEP) includes MDE has provided recommendations for test
summative assessments designed to measure time estimates, test sessions, and breaks
student performance relative to the Michigan within sessions on page 5 of this manual.
Academic Standards in English language These are recommendations to assist districts
arts (ELA), mathematics, science, and social and buildings in the development of testing
studies. This overview will describe the unique schedules—they are not required.
characteristics of these content–area tests.
Assessment Security training requirements
have been updated for Spring 2021.
What’s New Test Administrators and Proctors are required to
either
Updates to Spring 2021 M-STEP testing
were planned for Spring 2020 but were not • complete either the MDE Assessment
implemented due to the cancellation of testing. Security online course
These updates will be applied in Spring 2021.
OR
The M-STEP science test will be operational in
Spring 2021. The M-STEP science test assesses • to read the Assessment Integrity Guide.
the Michigan K-12 Science Standards in grades
Any educators who completed the Assessment
5, 8, and 11.
Security training modules in the past are
The M-STEP social studies test will continue to allowed to take the Assessment Security
measure the Michigan Academic Standards for Refresher course in place of the full Assessment
social studies that were adopted in 2007. The Security Training modules. More information
social studies test will have only one part for
2 M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021MICHIGAN STUDENT
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about the Assessment Security Refresher Social Studies
course is available on the M-STEP web
page (www.michigan.gov/mstep) under the Social studies is assessed in grades 5, 8, and
Professional Development section. 11 with a fixed-form online or paper/pencil
test. The Spring 2021 M-STEP assessments are
based on the 2007 Michigan K-12 Social Studies
Science Standards and do not reflect any changes in
the recently approved 2019 Social Studies
The M-STEP science test is operational in Spring Standards. The test will have:
2021. The M-STEP science test assesses the
Michigan K-12 Science Standards in grades 5, • one part to be completed in one day for
8, and 11. This is a fixed-form online or paper/ paper/pencil testers in grade 8
pencil test. This year, the test will have:
• two parts to be completed in one day for Required Grade 8 Testing
paper/pencil testers in grades 5 and 8
Students in grade 8 will take the M-STEP
The test will include seven clusters. science and social studies tests, and the PSAT
• Cluster – a stimulus (or context) about 8/9. Information on administering the PSAT 8/9
a phenomenon and a set of 5-8 related is found in the PSAT 8/9 Coordinator Manual
items designed to assess all performance and on the PSAT web page (www.michigan.gov/
expectations (standards) in one topic bundle psat).
• Topic Bundle – a group of related
performance expectations (standards) that Scratch Paper Guidelines
are assessed as a group
Scratch paper use varies by test grade, and
Calculator Policy for Science content area. Be sure to review the state’s full
Scratch Paper Policy in Appendix B.
Assessments
Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are allowed to
use calculators for both the online and paper/ Designated Supports and
pencil science assessment.
Accommodations
Calculator Use for Paper/Pencil The Michigan Supports and Accommodations
Testers Guidance Document, which includes the
Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 taking a paper/ Supports and Accommodations Tables,
pencil test will use a handheld calculator on the presents appropriate universal tools, designated
entire test. Students in grade 5 will use a basic supports, accommodations, identification
calculator, and students in grades 8 and 11 will processes, classroom considerations, and
use a scientific calculator. guidelines for all state assessments. The
document can be found on the M-STEP web
The state’s full Calculator Policy can be page (www.michigan.gov/mstep). Guidance in
found in Appendix A. Coordinators and/or Test the documents pertains to general education
Administrators may copy and share the policy students, as well as to English learners (ELs),
in its entirety with others involved in testing. students with disabilities (SWDs), and students
who are considered ELs and are also identified
as SWDs.
M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021 3MICHIGAN STUDENT
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Call Center Contact OEAA Communications with
Information Schools and Districts
The Office of Educational Assessment and Keeping educators up to date regarding
Accountability (OEAA) has a call center to changes in assessment and accountability is
answer questions related to M-STEP testing. critical. The OEAA communicates with the field
in a number of different ways, including:
Agents are available to receive questions at
the following toll-free phone number and email • Spotlight on Student Assessment and
address during the specified hours. Accountability weekly newsletter – sign
up to receive the newsletter and/or read
• Call: 1-877-560-8378 archived copies on the Spotlight web page
(www.michigan.gov/mde-spotlight)
• Email: mde-oeaa@michigan.gov
• M-STEP web page (www.michigan.gov/
• December 1, 2020 - April 12, 2021:
mstep)
8:00 AM–5:00 PM (M–F)
• DRC INSIGHT Portal (https://mi.drcedirect.
• April 12, 2021 - May 28, 2021:
com)
7:00 AM–5:00 PM (M-F)
• the Announcement page on the OEAA
The following table shows the options related to
Secure Site (www.michigan.gov/oeaa-
the M-STEP that are available on the call center
secure)
phone menu. Select the appropriate option
when contacting the OEAA, either through • presentations at state conferences,
our toll-free number (877-560-8378) or the including the Michigan School Testing
Lansing-area local number (517-241-4102). Conference held each year in February
Check these sources regularly to stay up to
Topic Option
date on assessment- and accountability-related
Known or suspected cheating or issues and activities.
unethical testing practices on any state 1
assessment
DRC INSIGHT Portal, INSIGHT, Central Standardized Testing
Office Services (COS), or online
2
assessment tools related to the online Uniform procedures are essential to a
M-STEP standardized testing program. To ensure
OEAA Secure Site, testing policies and comparable scores, all testing staff must
paper/pencil materials regarding the follow the same testing procedures and give
3
M-STEP, MI-Access, and Accountability instructions exactly as they appear in this
reporting manual.
Ensure that you and all testing staff comply
with all applicable laws, including those relating
to discrimination. By strictly following policies
and procedures, you give students the best
guarantee of fair testing and the best possible
test day experience.
4 M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021MICHIGAN STUDENT
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Testing Schedules and security. District and Building Coordinators
are required to read the AIG in its entirety.
Part 1 of the test should be administered before By following the guidelines in the Assessment
Part 2. However, when students miss a test Integrity Guide, schools ensure that:
Part(s), students should take the remaining
Part(s) with the class, and complete the • student test results are valid and reliable
missed Part(s) in a makeup session. The test is
• the testing context is equitable for all
untimed and student‑paced. Students must be
students
given as much time as needed during the same
continuous session to complete each section of • all practices are ethical
this test. Arrangements should be made before
testing begins for any student who may need Overview of Required Security
additional time to complete a part of the test.
Practices
For additional information on required security
Test Session Timings practices before, during, and after the test
administration, refer to the checklists in
Appendix G of the AIG.
Spring 2021 Estimated Test Session
Timings Grade 8 Assessment Security Training
Content Area Grade 8 All staff members who participate in a state
M-STEP Science Part 1 :45 assessment must be fully trained in assessment
M-STEP Science Part 2 :45 security.
M-STEP Social Studies :60 Test Administrators/Room Supervisors/
PSAT 8/9 (ELA and Mathematics) 2:40 Proctors/ Training Requirements:
Estimated Total Hours 5:10 • complete the MDE Assessment Security
online course and/or read the Assessment
Integrity Guide (determined by the District
Assessment Security or Building Coordinator)
The primary goals of test security are to protect Any educators who completed the Assessment
the integrity of the assessment and to ensure Security training modules in the past are
that results are accurate and meaningful. Test allowed to take the Assessment Security
security is integral in ensuring that no student Refresher course in place of the full Assessment
has an unfair advantage or a disadvantage in Security Training modules. More information
assessment performance. about the Assessment Security Refresher
course is available on the M-STEP web
The Assessment Integrity Guide (AIG) was page (www.michigan.gov/mstep) under the
revised and updated in November 2020. This Professional Development section.
document, available for download on the M-STEP
web page (www.michigan.gov/mstep), details
how state-level assessments should be securely
administered. The AIG also includes information
on roles and responsibilities of testing staff,
test preparation, administration irregularities,
M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021 5MICHIGAN STUDENT
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Material Security Test Administration
• All materials that allow access to or contain All testing staff must adhere to these
test questions or student responses are guidelines.
considered secure materials and must • Ensure an appropriate testing environment
be handled in a way that maintains their is maintained.
security before, during, and after testing.
This includes paper/pencil materials, • Begin all standardized test administration
accommodated materials, used scratch procedures according to the explicit
paper, online test tickets, and test rosters. directions in the Test Administrator’s
Directions and Manual.
• All secure materials must be retained in one
secure, locked location within the school. • Read test directions to the students exactly
During the test administration window, the as they are written, as required.
materials must be distributed and collected
daily. • Monitor student behavior closely for
adherence to proper test-taking practices.
• Secure materials are bar-coded and Ensure that there are no distractions during
recorded on the security checklists that the test administration period, including
accompany shipments, and must be talking, noises, and other interactions
returned to the scoring contractor. Note: among students; prevent students from
Schools must account for every secure item viewing another student’s computer screen
recorded on the materials list. or answer document.
• Unused answer documents must be securely • Ensure that students whose IEP and or
shredded. Section 504 plan requires them to use
universal tools, designated supports, and
• All used scratch paper (including graph accommodations have these available to
paper) must be collected and returned them at the time of testing.
to the building M-STEP Coordinator
immediately after testing, to be shredded. • Ensure that any student who needs an
No used scratch or graph paper may be kept allowable universal tool or designated
in the classroom. Used scratch paper must support has these resources available to
never be taken from one test session to them at the time of testing.
another.
• Maintain material security.
• No test materials that contain test questions
or student responses may be copied at any
time or retained in the schools. Security Compliance
• The use of cameras or cell phones and the All staff involved in the administration of
posting of pictures to social media sites M-STEP tests must read and sign an Office of
during testing is an enormous security risk. Educational Assessment and Accountability
Therefore, students or testing personnel may (OEAA) Assessment Security Compliance Form,
not take photographs at any time during affirming that they have read the required
testing. If students violate this policy, their assessment materials related to their role in
tests will be marked “Prohibited Behavior” the M-STEP administration process, and that
and no emergency tests will be permitted. they understand their role and responsibilities.
6 M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021MICHIGAN STUDENT
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Completed forms are required from Technology Available resources include:
Coordinators, District and Building Test • grade-level Sample Item Sets
Coordinators, Test Administrators, proctors,
and all other staff or volunteers with access • sample essay prompts
to secure test materials or student responses. It is highly recommended that schools provide
All OEAA Assessment Security Compliance students with opportunities to practice using
Forms must be returned to the Building M-STEP these resources before they take the paper/
Coordinator and kept on file for three years. pencil tests.
Anyone involved in the administration of the Providing students with ample practice
M-STEP is obligated to report any suspected opportunities will ensure they are familiar with
violations of test security. the test content and item types on test day.
Training Requirements and
Resources for Students
Resources for Students to Prepare
for Testing
A number of resources and tools have been
developed to help students gain valuable
experience with testing. Sample items for
paper/pencil testers are available on the
M-STEP web page (www.michigan.gov/mstep).
M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021 7MICHIGAN STUDENT
TEST OF
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PROGRESS
Before Testing Checklist ¾ Ensure students are positioned in such
a way that students cannot easily read
With the exception of the Test Directions another student’s test or interact with
for content you will not administer, Test one another.
Administrators are required to read ¾ Check to make sure there are no test
this document in its entirety before materials left over from another testing
administering any grade 8 M-STEP session. If found, return to the Building
assessment. Test Coordinator.
BEFORE TESTING
Complete the MDE Assessment Security ¾ Verify the testing room will be free of
online course and/or read the Assessment distractions for the duration of the test
Integrity Guide (determined by the District session.
or Building Coordinator).
Ensure each student answer document
Sign the OEAA Assessment Security has a barcode label attached. If an answer
Compliance Form. document does not have a barcode label, the
Ensure student’s designated supports and/ student may test, then notify the Building
or accommodations (if applicable) have Assessment Coordinator so a barcode label
been set and/or that all materials necessary can be attached.
to administer assigned designated supports
Number of Test
and/or accommodations are available. Assessment
Parts
Clearly understand the scheduled testing
Social Studies 1 part; 1 day
time, including planned breaks.
Prepare the classroom for testing: Science 2 parts; 1 day
¾ Remove or cover all classroom
Ensure all designated supports and
instructional materials that may affect
accommodations are completed in the
the validity of the assessment. All
demographic portion of the answer
instructional materials must be removed
documents.
or covered. This includes all information
regarding the content area of the test
being administered or test-taking
strategies. Examples include, but are not
limited to:
» tips for taking tests
» content displays
» word lists
» writing formulas
» definitions
» mathematical formulas/theorems
» multiplication tables
» charts or maps
8 M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021MICHIGAN STUDENT
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Test Materials Needed for M-STEP
Materials Needed by Test Materials Needed by Students
Administrator
This booklet Test booklet
Answer document
BEFORE TESTING
At least two sharpened No. 2 pencils per
student
Spare sharpened No. 2 pencils
(recommended) Blank scratch paper (optional—universal tool)
Scientific calculator for both parts of the
science test. All programmable calculators
must be set to TEST mode.
Take a few minutes to review all the parts of this document you will need to read aloud
during testing. Use sticky notes or sticky flags to give yourself a quick reference to the
next set of directions to read.
M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021 9MICHIGAN STUDENT
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Important Tasks During Permitted Items in Testing
Testing Room
The following tasks should be performed in the Students may only have required testing
order listed. materials and any accommodations specified
in the student’s IEP, Section 504 Plan, and EL
Managing Student Test Materials instruction documentation at their work spaces
during testing.
Test booklets, used answer documents, and
used scratch/graph paper are secure materials.
They must be kept in a secure location until Item Permitted?
the test session is scheduled to begin. Test
Pencil YES – If students are provided
Administrators are instructed to distribute test
scratch paper as a universal
materials just prior to student testing.
tool.
After a testing session is complete, the Test Highlighter YES
Administrator should return all test materials to
the Building M-STEP Coordinator for: Additional YES – Blank scratch paper is
paper allowed for ELA, social studies,
• destruction (if all students finished the test) (provided science, and mathematics as a
OR by School/ universal tool.
District)
DURING TESTING
• secure storage (if students have not
completed the test) Calculator YES – Scientific calculator is
allowed for science only. All
Test Administrators need to know which programmable calculators
universal tools, designated supports, and must be set to TEST mode
accommodations are needed for all students during the test.
prior to the test administration.
CD and DVD NO
Players
Headphones NO
(provided
by School/
District)
Non- YES – Non-academic reading
academic material is allowed for
reading student use after testing is
material completed. Electronic formats
are not allowed. Reading
material must be a traditional
book or magazine. Reading
material must be kept off
work surface until the test has
been submitted.
10 M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021MICHIGAN STUDENT
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Providing Assistance » pointing out important information in the
question or suggesting a student read a
It is particularly important to understand the certain section of the item or highlight
difference between helping students understand any part of the question
test directions and online tools and helping » in any way provide any verification of a
them with their responses. With the exception correct/incorrect answer if asked by a
of making sure students understand the student
directions and implementing any approved
Any of these activities are inappropriate and
universal tools, designated supports, or
violate ethical test administration practices and
accommodation, Test Administrators and
will result in test scores being invalidated.
proctors may not give help of any kind to
students during this test. This includes defining • Allowable practices include:
or pronouncing words, reading any part of the
» telling the student to “do their best
test aloud to students, or manipulating tools.
work”
These activities are not appropriate and will
result in test scores being invalidated. » telling the student to select their best
answer for a question
Student Questions
Answering student questions: Test
Administrators must not help students with any
content of the test.
DURING TESTING
• Prohibited practices include (but are not
limited to):
» providing hints
» defining any words
» helping to read or pronounce any word
M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021 11MICHIGAN STUDENT
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Test Directions for the Student Demographic Page –
All M-STEP Grade 8 Assessments
Use the following information and script to Distribute test materials to students. Remind
assist students in completing the Student students not to open their test booklets until
Data Grid on the front cover of each student told to do so and to put away all materials that
answer document at the start of every test may not be used during the test. Scratch paper
administration. Repeat these directions and is allowed as a universal tool for students who
script for all subjects. need it. Test booklets are designed to have
ample space for note-taking. If used, blank
All directions that a TA needs to read to scratch paper must be distributed at the start
students are in shaded boxes so they stand of each test session or part, collected at the
out from the regular text. They should be read end of each part, and securely returned to the
exactly as they are written, using a natural Building Assessment Coordinator for shredding.
tone and manner. (All other information is for Scratch paper must be treated at all times as a
the Test Administrator and should not be read secure material.
to the students.) If the TA makes a mistake
in reading a direction, the TA should stop and Make sure each student has his or her own
say, “I made a mistake. Listen again.” Then the answer document before the test begins. If a
direction should be reread. student’s name is misspelled on the answer
DEMOGRAPHIC PAGE
document, corrections can be made at a later
Administration Directions for date prior to the return of materials to the
Completing the Student Data Grid scoring contractor. Immediately notify the
school M-STEP coordinator, who can help you
Non-personal information the students will be resolve this problem after the test is completed.
entering on the Student Data Grid at the start
of testing may be posted so that all students Read aloud the directions in the shaded blocks.
can see it (including a whiteboard, smartboard,
chalkboard) prior to the start of test
administration. This information can include: [SAY] Do not open your test booklet until
told to do so.
• Teacher Name
During this test, you must turn off and put
• School Name away all electronic devices, including cell
• District Name (leave blank for phones, tablets, smart watches and other
non-public schools) wireless devices. The only items you may
have on your desk or table are the materials
• Assessment Date (today’s date)
necessary for the test.
• Form Number
(Standard forms are Form 1. Emergency All answers must be marked in your answer
forms are Form 2. For all subjects, the document using a No. 2 pencil only.
Braille forms are Form 88. Note that form Make sure that you have a 2021 M-STEP
numbers always appear on the front cover (insert grade and subject) Test
of the Test Booklet.) Booklet.
Write your name on the line labeled
“Student Name” on the front cover of your
test booklet.
Pause.
12 M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021MICHIGAN STUDENT
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[SAY] Look at your answer document. Make [SAY] In the space labeled “Day,” print the
sure you have your own answer document. digits of the day on which you were born.
The box at the top of the page should If there is only one digit in your day of
contain a label with your name and other birth, print a zero before the numeral. For
information. example, if your day of birth is the seventh,
you would print the digits zero and seven.
Raise your hand if your name does not
appear in this box or if the label is missing. In the two columns below “Day,” fill in the
bubbles for the digits of the day on which
you were born. Fill in only one bubble in
If any students do not have a each column.
barcode label affixed, they can
still test, but the Building M-STEP Pause.
Assessment Coordinator must be
notified. [SAY] In the space labeled “Year,” print the
last two digits of the year in which you were
born.
[SAY] Follow these steps to complete the
Student Data Grid. Turn to the front cover of In the two columns below “Year,” fill in the
your answer document. bubbles for the last two digits of the year in
which you were born. Fill in only one bubble
DEMOGRAPHIC PAGE
Write your name on the line that says, in each column.
“Student Name.”
Write (insert teacher name) on
Pause.
the line that says “Teacher Name.”
Make sure each student has filled in the correct
Write (insert school name) on
bubbles for the month, day, and year of birth.
the line that says “School.”
Write (insert district name) on
the line that says “District.” [SAY] Next, find the section labeled
“Assessment Date.”
In the first column, fill in the bubble next to
Non-public schools may leave “District” blank. the current month.
Pause. The next two spaces are for today’s date.
Write the numbers for today’s date in the
[SAY] Find the section labeled “Birth Date.” spaces provided. If there is only one digit
In the column under “Month,” fill in the in today’s date, print a zero before the
bubble next to the month in which you were numeral. For example, if the date is the
born. seventh, you would print the digits zero and
seven.
Pause. In the two columns below today’s date, fill in
the bubbles for the numerals of the date. Fill
in only one bubble in each column.
The year is already filled in for you.
Pause to allow students to finish.
M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021 13MICHIGAN STUDENT
TEST OF
EDUCATIONAL DURING TESTING
PROGRESS
[SAY] Now find the section labeled “Form.”
Then check the front cover of your Test
Booklet to find the correct form number.
Bubble in that form number.
Check to make sure all students have bubbled
the correct form number. It is critical that the
correct form number is bubbled on the answer
document in order to ensure the student’s test
is scored properly.
When the students have completed the Student
Data Grid, turn to the appropriate page in this
document for subject-specific test directions,
and continue with test administration.
DEMOGRAPHIC PAGE
14 M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021MICHIGAN STUDENT
TEST OF
EDUCATIONAL DURING TESTING
PROGRESS
Test Directions for Grade 8 Science
Day 1: Part 1
Be sure you have completed the directions on
[SAY] PART 1 DIRECTIONS
pages 12–14 before you start this section.
You will be taking Part 1 of the Science
M-STEP. This part includes passages
[SAY] Now you will be taking Part 1 of the and pictures that you will read and use
M-STEP Science Assessment. to answer different types of questions.
Turn to page 3 in your answer document. Carefully read each passage and look at
each picture before answering the questions
Open your test booklet to page 3. that follow. Calculators are allowed for this
part of the test.
Read the directions silently as I read them
aloud. You must mark all your answers in Part
1 of your answer document with a No. 2
You are about to take the Michigan Student
pencil. You may underline, circle, or write
Test of Educational Progress, or M-STEP.
in this test booklet to help you, but nothing
You have been given a test booklet and
marked in this test booklet will be scored.
answer document.
SCIENCE DAY 1: PART 1
Completely fill in the corresponding circle
In order for the results to be valid, you must on your answer document. If you erase
NOT: an answer, be sure to erase it completely.
● talk to or help another student Remember that if you skip a question in the
test booklet, you need to skip the answer
● look at or copy another student’s answers
space for that question on the answer
● ask for or accept any help from another document. If you are not sure of an answer,
student mark your best choice.
● use your cell phone or any other A Periodic Table of the Elements has been
electronic device including an eBook provided for your reference on the next
● take pictures or make copies of any test page.
materials
When you come to the STOP sign, you have
● cause a disturbance finished Part 1. If you finish early, you
● remove test booklet or answer document may go back and check your work. Check
from the room to make sure that you have answered
every question. When you have finished,
● post or chat about any part of the
please close your test booklet and answer
test through social media (example:
document and sit quietly.
Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter,
etc.) It is important to do your best on this test
so your teacher and school can know how
If you do not understand these
much you have learned this school year.
requirements or have questions, please
raise your hand. Do you have any questions?
Pause to answer any questions, then continue.
M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021 15MICHIGAN STUDENT
TEST OF
EDUCATIONAL DURING TESTING
PROGRESS
[SAY] Make sure you are on page 3 in your
answer document.
You may turn the page in your test booklet
and begin.
When all students have finished,
[SAY] Okay. We will stop now. Please close
your test booklet and answer document.
Remain quietly in your seat until all
materials are collected.
Before dismissing students (whether it’s for
a break, or between separate test sittings,
or the end of testing) you must collect all
materials, including scratch paper, from each
student individually. Do not have students pass
SCIENCE DAY 1: PART 1
materials to the end of a row or aisle. Students
may not be dismissed until it is verified that all
test materials have been returned.
Securely store the test materials until you
begin testing again. Used scratch paper
must be returned to the Building Assessment
Coordinator for secure shredding. (You will
need to distribute new, blank scratch paper
before each part.)
16 M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021MICHIGAN STUDENT
TEST OF
EDUCATIONAL DURING TESTING
PROGRESS
Test Directions for Grade 8 Science
Day 1: Part 2
Be sure you have completed the directions on
[SAY] A Periodic Table of the Elements has
pages 12–14 before you start this section.
been provided for your reference on the next
page.
[SAY] Turn to the front cover of your
answer document. Make sure you have the When you come to the STOP sign, you have
answer document with your name on it and finished the test. If you finish early, you
not another student’s answer document. may go back and check your work in Part
Please do not open your test booklet until I 2 only. Check to make sure that you have
tell you to do so. Make sure you are using a answered every question. When you have
No. 2 pencil with an eraser when taking this finished, please close your test booklet and
test. Pens are not allowed. answer document and sit quietly.
Pause to make sure the students have their
Pause to answer any questions, then continue.
own test booklet and answer document.
[SAY] Make sure you are on page 7 in your
[SAY] Now you will be taking Part 2 of the answer document.
SCIENCE DAY 1: PART 2
M-STEP Science Assessment.
You may turn the page in your test booklet
Turn to page 7 in your answer document. and begin.
Open your test booklet to page 55.
When all students have finished,
Read the directions silently as I read them
aloud. [SAY] Okay. We will stop now. Please close
your test booklet and answer document.
You will be taking Part 2 of the Science
Remain quietly in your seat until all
M-STEP. This part includes passages
materials are collected.
and pictures that you will read and use
to answer different types of questions.
Carefully read each passage and look at Before dismissing students (whether it’s for
each picture before answering the questions a break, or between separate test sittings,
that follow. Calculators are allowed for this or the end of testing) you must collect all
part of the test. materials, including scratch paper, from each
student individually. Do not have students pass
You must mark all your answers in Part materials to the end of a row or aisle. Students
2 of your answer document with a No. 2 may not be dismissed until it is verified that all
pencil. You may underline, circle, or write test materials have been returned.
in this test booklet to help you, but nothing
marked in this test booklet will be scored. Securely store the test materials until you
Completely fill in the corresponding circle begin testing again. Used scratch paper
on your answer document. If you erase must be returned to the Building Assessment
an answer, be sure to erase it completely. Coordinator for secure shredding. (You will
Remember that if you skip a question in the need to distribute new, blank scratch paper
test booklet, you need to skip the answer before each part.)
space for that question on the answer
document. If you are not sure of an answer, Refer to the “After Testing” chapter on
mark your best choice. page 20 for specific instructions about
assembly and return of materials.
M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021 17MICHIGAN STUDENT
TEST OF
EDUCATIONAL DURING TESTING
PROGRESS
Test Directions for Grade 8 Social Studies
Be sure you have completed the directions on
[SAY] You must mark all of your answers on
pages 12–14 before you start this section.
the answer document with a No. 2 pencil.
[SAY] Now you will be taking the M-STEP You may underline, circle, or write in this
Social Studies Assessment. test booklet to help you, but nothing marked
in this test booklet will be scored.
Turn to page 2 in your answer document.
Mark only one answer for each question.
Open your test booklet to page 3. Completely fill in the corresponding circle
Read the directions silently as I read them on your answer document. If you erase
aloud. an answer, be sure to erase it completely.
Remember that if you skip a question in the
You are about to take the Michigan Student test booklet, you need to skip the answer
Test of Educational Progress, or M-STEP. space for that question on the answer
You have been given a test booklet and document. If you are not sure of an answer,
answer document. mark your best choice.
In order for the results to be valid, you must A sample question is provided for you below.
NOT:
SOCIAL STUDIES
Sample Multiple-Choice Question:
● talk to or help another student
hich economic activity is most important
W
● look at or copy another student’s answers in Florida today?
● ask for or accept any help from another A logging
student
B trapping
● use your cell phone or any other
electronic device including an eBook C growing potatoes and apples
● take pictures or make copies of any test D growing grapefruits and oranges
materials
For this sample question, the correct answer
● cause a disturbance is D. Circle D is filled in for the sample
● remove test booklet or answer document question on your answer document.
from the room When you come to the STOP sign you
● post or chat about any part of the have finished the test. If you finish early,
test through social media (example: you may go back and check your work.
Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Check to make sure you have answered
etc.) every question. When you have finished,
please close your test booklet and answer
If you do not understand these
document and sit quietly.
requirements or have questions, please
raise your hand. It is important to do your best on this test
so your teacher and school can know how
TEST DIRECTIONS
much you have learned this school year.
In this test, you will answer multiple‑choice
social studies questions. Some questions Do you have any questions?
may include a passage, map, or other
social studies-related information. Use that Pause to answer any questions, then continue.
information with what you know to answer
the questions.
18 M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021MICHIGAN STUDENT
TEST OF
EDUCATIONAL DURING TESTING
PROGRESS
[SAY] You may turn the page in your test
booklet and begin.
When all students have finished,
[SAY] Okay. We will stop now. Please close
your test booklet and answer document.
Remain quietly in your seat until all
materials are collected.
Before dismissing students (whether it’s for
a break, or between separate test sittings,
or the end of testing) you must collect all
materials, including scratch paper, from each
student individually. Do not have students pass
materials to the end of a row or aisle. Students
may not be dismissed until it is verified that all
test materials have been returned.
Securely store the test materials until you
begin testing again. Used scratch paper
SOCIAL STUDIES
must be returned to the Building Assessment
Coordinator for secure shredding. (You will
need to distribute new, blank scratch paper
before each part.)
Refer to the “After Testing” chapter on
page 20 for specific instructions about
assembly and return of materials.
M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021 19MICHIGAN STUDENT
TEST OF
EDUCATIONAL AFTER TESTING
PROGRESS
Assemble Materials Checklist for Test
for Return Administrators
After testing has been completed, prepare • Remember to affix the student bar code
materials to be returned to the Building label, complete the requested information
Assessment Coordinator. on the front of each student answer
document, and return all test booklets
Check to make sure that all student answer and answer documents to the Building
documents have been removed from inside Assessment Coordinator.
the test booklets. In addition, make sure that
no scratch paper was left inside the answer • Bundle all unused materials together and
documents. Remove any extraneous material. return them to your Building Assessment
Coordinator.
Only one answer document per student/ • Bundle together all of the scratch paper,
content area may be submitted. If multiple and any L1 Glossary Reference Sheets
answer documents for any students are and return to the Building Assessment
identified, please ensure that all responses are Coordinator. This material is to be securely
transcribed into a single answer document. handled and destroyed. Do not dispose of
the scratch paper or glossaries by placing
Make sure that responses for students taking
it in the trash. This material must be
the braille version of the test have been
securely destroyed.
transferred to standard answer documents with
Form 88 bubbled on the front.
AFTER TESTING
20 M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021MICHIGAN STUDENT
TEST OF
EDUCATIONAL APPENDICES
APPENDICES
PROGRESS
APPENDIX A: M-STEP calculator practice tool. It is recommended that
online testers visit the practice environment to
Calculator Policy see sample items and familiarize themselves
with the online calculator tool. To practice
using the M-STEP online calculators, go to the
Online and Paper/Pencil Online Tools Training (OTT) portal (https://
Testers wbte.drcedirect.com/MI/portals/mi/) using the
Google Chrome browser.
Mathematics
Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 are not Paper/Pencil Testers
allowed to use a calculator on ANY item in
the mathematics assessment, as the use of On grades 6 and 7 mathematics and grades 5,
calculators at these grade levels changes 8 and 11 science assessments, students will
the construct of the items and what they are use a handheld calculator.
intended to measure. All students must abide by
this no-calculator-allowed policy, even students Calculators are allowed on all items of the
whose IEP or 504 Plan specifies otherwise. The science assessments. Calculators are allowed
use of a calculator at grades 3, 4, or 5 is only on Part 2 of the mathematics assessment.
considered a nonstandard accommodation.
Mathematics test booklets are divided into two
Nonstandard accommodations render the
parts. Part 1 of the paper/pencil mathematics
assessment invalid.
assessment is considered non-calculator, and
students must not have a calculator within
Science reach. Part 2 of the paper/pencil mathematics
Students in grade 5, 8, and 11 are allowed assessment allows the use of a calculator. Once
to use a calculator on any item in the science students start Part 2, they are not allowed to
assessment. return to the non-calculator items on Part 1.
Since external hand-held graphing calculators
are programmable, there is a potential of a
Online Testers security breach. All programmable calculators
On grades 6 and 7 mathematics and grades 5, must be set to TEST mode during the testing
8, and 11 science assessments, students will session for both mathematics and science
use the calculator embedded within the online assessments.
delivery engine. The calculator will appear in
APPENDIX A
Types of hand-held calculators:
the toolbar when items allow its use; it will not
appear when items do not allow its use. • Basic calculator - science grade 5 and
mathematics grade 6
There are two types of embedded online
calculators: • Scientific calculator - science grades 8 and
11 and mathematics grade 7
• Basic calculator - science grade 5 and
mathematics grade 6
• Scientific calculator - science grades 8 and Important Notes
11 and mathematics grade 7
Alignment
The Office of Educational Assessment and
Accountability (OEAA) has developed resources The operational items on all of the assessments
for online testers to help prepare them for have been field-tested and are aligned to
online testing. One of the resources is an online Michigan’s standards.
M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021 21MICHIGAN STUDENT
TEST OF
EDUCATIONAL APPENDICES
PROGRESS
Fairness Managing Online Testers and
The issue of fairness between online testers External Hand-held Calculators
and paper/pencil testers with regard to The OEAA prohibits online testers from using
calculator usage has been raised. The OEAA external handheld calculators instead of the
decided not to burden schools by requiring embedded online calculator. The only online
them to purchase calculators specifically testers who may use an external calculator
for this assessment as a possible one-time are those students whose IEP or Section 504
use. Some schools may not have the grade- Plan specifies the use of a special adaptive
specific calculators for their paper/pencil calculator.
testers to use. The OEAA has reviewed every
item to determine if the use of an above-
grade-level calculator gives those students an
advantage. Students will not be advantaged or
disadvantaged based on using an above-grade
calculator on the assessment.
APPENDIX A
22 M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021MICHIGAN STUDENT
TEST OF
EDUCATIONAL APPENDICES
PROGRESS
APPENDIX B: M-STEP be provided at that time. Once a test session
is completed, used scratch paper must be
Scratch Paper Policy returned with the test tickets to the Building
Scratch paper is a Universal Tool that may be Coordinator for secure shredding.
made available to students during testing. Used Students must write their names on the scratch
scratch paper is a secure material. District paper. When students are given a break, the
Coordinators should develop and disseminate scratch paper must be collected and securely
procedures for the secure handling and disposal stored with test tickets until testing resumes.
of used scratch paper.
If a student’s name is clearly written on the used
Terms scratch paper, it can be returned to that student
to use when resuming an in-progress test.
Graph Paper: blank, gridded paper provided
by MDE for use in grades 6-7 mathematics
Online Testers: English Language
Scratch Paper: blank, lined, or unlined paper Arts, Science, and Social Studies
Graph paper and scratch paper are separated Scratch paper is allowed in all test sessions. For
into two types: all grades this must be blank ruled or unruled
paper.
Unused Scratch/Graph Paper: scratch paper
that does not include any student markings; Fresh scratch paper must be distributed at the
unused scratch/ graph paper may include a start of each new test session. That is, when a
student’s name written on it student receives a new test ticket for login, a
fresh sheet of scratch paper must be provided
Used Scratch/Graph Paper: scratch/graph at that time. Once a test session is completed,
paper that includes any student markings used scratch paper must be returned with the
beyond the student’s name test tickets to the Building Coordinator for
secure shredding.
Online Testers: Mathematics
Students must write their names on the scratch
Scratch paper is allowed in all test sessions. paper. When students are given a break, the
For students in grades 6-7, blank graph paper scratch paper must be collected and securely
is required and is provided in the online stored with test tickets until testing resumes.
initial material order. The grades 3-5 tests do
not include items that require graph paper. If a student’s name is clearly written on the used
scratch paper, it can be returned to that student
APPENDIX B
Additional graph paper can be downloaded
from the M-STEP web page (www.michigan. to use when resuming an in-progress test.
gov/mstep).
Paper/Pencil Testers: Mathematics
For grades 3-5, scratch paper must be blank
ruled or unruled, or (optionally) graph paper. Scratch paper is allowed in all test sessions
and test parts. For grades 3-5 this must be
For grades 6-7 the graph paper must be blank. blank ruled or unruled, or (optionally) graph
paper. Testers in grades 6-7 may be provided
Fresh scratch/graph paper must be distributed blank graph paper in place of blank ruled or
at the start of each new test session. That unruled paper; however, students may also
is, when a student receives a new test ticket use the graphs in their test booklets to solve
for login, a fresh sheet of scratch paper must problems. Additional graph paper can be
downloaded from the M-STEP web page
(www.michigan.gov/mstep).
M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021 23MICHIGAN STUDENT
TEST OF
EDUCATIONAL APPENDICES
PROGRESS
Fresh scratch paper must be distributed Note: In order to prevent the use of an
with each part of a test and students must inappropriate writing utensil on the answer
write their names on the scratch paper. After document, students should only have access to
students encounter a “stop” sign in the test number 2 pencils during paper/pencil testing.
booklets, scratch paper must be collected
and securely stored until it can be returned Mathematics: Online and Paper/Pencil
with the rest of the test materials to the
Building M-STEP Coordinator for shredding. If Graph Graph Scratch Paper
paper/pencil testers are provided a break not Grade Paper Paper (available
(required) (optional) Universal Tool)
associated with a test part, then used scratch
paper must be placed inside their closed test 3 X X
booklets. 4 X X
5 X X
Paper/Pencil Testers: English 6 X X
Language Arts, Science, and 7 X X
Social Studies
Scratch paper is allowed in all test sessions and
test parts. For all grades this must be blank English Language Arts, Science,
ruled or unruled paper. and Social Studies: Online and
Paper/Pencil
Fresh scratch paper must be distributed
with each part of a test and students must Scratch Paper
Grade
write their names on the scratch paper. After (available Universal Tool)
students encounter a “stop” sign in the test 3 X
booklets, scratch paper must be collected and 4 X
securely stored until it can be returned with 5 X
the rest of the test materials to the Building
6 X
M-STEP Coordinator for shredding. If paper/
pencil testers are given a break not associated 7 X
with a test part, then used scratch paper must 8* X
be placed inside their closed test booklets. 11* X
*Does not apply to English language arts.
APPENDIX B
24 M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021APPENDIX C: M-STEP Incident Reporting Guide
Any testing irregularities that occur before, during, or after testing must be reported to the Office of Educational Assessment
TEST OF
and Accountability (OEAA) within two school days. All incidents are required to be reported; do not neglect to report an incident
PROGRESS
if more than two school days have passed since you were aware of it. This table identifies the incident categories and sub-
EDUCATIONAL
categories that are used in the Secure Site Incident Reporting tool and provides sample scenarios for each category or sub-
category.
MICHIGAN STUDENT
You will find detailed information on how to access and use the tool at the Secure Site Incident Reporting tool
(www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Incident_Reporting_520328_7.pdf).
Incident Category: Test Not Completed
Incident
Incident Response for Report
Scenario Response for Paper/Pencil Testers
Sub‑Category Online Testers Required/
Optional
APPENDICES
If 5 or fewer questions Online:
have been answered, Required
contact the Call Center at if more
Test submitted Student accidentally ends/ 1-877-560-8378 Option 2.
prior to submits the test without than 5 item
N/A
If more than 5 questions responses
completion answering all questions
have been answered,
an Incident Report is Paper/Pencil:
required. N/A
M-STEP Grade 8 Paper/Pencil Test Directions – Spring 2021
Collect test materials and flag the last
Pause and Exit test (do not question answered. Online:
End test). Optional
Student Student becomes ill and goes Resume testing in an individual one-on-
became ill home before finishing a test Resume testing with the one proctored makeup session.
original test ticket in a Paper/Pencil:
makeup session. Students are not allowed to return to Required
previously answered questions.
Collect test materials and flag the last Online: No
Student was Pause and Exit test question answered. Incident
removed Student is removed from class (do not End test). Report
Resume testing in an individual one-on-
from school by a parent or guardian during Resume testing with the Necessary
one proctored makeup session.
by parent/ the test administration original test ticket in a
guardian makeup session. Students are not allowed to return to Paper/Pencil:
previously answered questions. Required
25
APPENDIX CYou can also read
