Here we are...the M-STEP. An online computer-based assessment administered by the State of Michigan to assess proficiency in the Core subjects. The M-STEP is said to be rooted in the Common Core--which if your curriculum is aligned with the CCSS, there should not be any issue.
As an ELA teacher, this test literally fell into my lap. Yes, my students have been receiving instruction, assessments, and rigor related to the CCSS. BUT, is this ok? Should students be given tests by the State of Michigan without any actual awareness of what is on it? Shouldn't there be some process in place? Because, this was a surprise. That's the word no one wants to say. A surprise that has fallen into the lap of everyone involved.
The kicker...?
What does this mean for students? What is the gravity for them? Can we tell them that the M-STEP has post-secondary implications? Can we tell them that it affects their GPA, Class Rank? Where is the carrot or stick? As a teacher, we need to have some sort of consequence to this test for the students. How can we make students take this test over several days if there is no endgame. It reminds me of the instances when parents say "because I said so." It's been said by all, but it's a ridiculous notion. No one wants their children to become people who accept the will of others without inquisition. That would lead to a society of drones, completing tasks for no rhyme or reason.
I am certain that the M-STEP test will contain rigor, critical thinking, and require a large amount of intellect in order to do perform proficiently. But, our reasoning for justification when asking our students to take this test...contains NONE of these things.
