Assessment plays a vital role in the educational process within our school district. By implementing a variety of classroom assessments, benchmark assessments, and standardized assessments, we gain valuable insights into student learning, growth, and instructional needs. These tools allow educators to tailor instruction to meet students where they are, track progress over time, and ensure that all learners have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The comprehensive use of different types of assessments supports data-driven decision-making, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and academic excellence.

Classroom assessments, including both formative and summative types, help guide instruction and measure student learning. Formative assessments let teachers make quick adjustments to their teaching, while summative assessments show how much students have learned by the end of a unit or course. These tools help teachers tailor their instruction, track progress, and make sure every student has a chance to succeed. Using different types of assessments supports informed decision-making and encourages continuous improvement.

Benchmark assessments are another key part of our balanced assessment model. These assessments help track students' progress at various points throughout the school year and provide valuable data on their academic growth. This information allows teachers to identify areas where students excel and where they may need additional support, ensuring that instruction can be adjusted to meet their needs effectively. In most grades, Benchmark Assessments are given three times per year; fall, winter, and spring. The following Benchmark Assessments are used in GSD:

• iReady Benchmark Assessment: Grades PreK/K - Fifth Grade

• NWEA MAP Benchmark Assessment: Grades 6-8

Standardized assessments required by the State of Michigan play an important role in measuring student achievement and ensuring accountability. These assessments provide a consistent framework for evaluating how well students and the district overall are meeting state learning standards. Below is a list of the required assessments by grade level:

• Grades 3-4, 6-7: M-STEP (ELA and Math)

• Grade 5: M-STEP (ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies)

• Grade 8: PSAT 8 (ELA and Math) and M-STEP (Science and Social Studies)

• Grade 9: PSAT 8/9 (ELA and Math)

• Grade 10: PSAT 10 (ELA and Math)

• Grade 11: SAT (ELA and Math), M-STEP (science and social studies), and WorkKeys

• Grades K-12 (as applicable): WIDA (for English language learners)

These assessments help identify strengths and areas for growth, ensuring that all students are on track to meet state expectations and are prepared for future academic and career success.