HIGH SCHOOL TESTING SCHEDULE
March 21, 2021
Dear Fordson Families:
Beginning Tuesday, April 13th 2021 thru April 15th, Fordson High School and all other high schools in Michigan, will be administering the SAT, PSAT, Workkeys & M-Step Assessments to high school students.
The State of Michigan calls for all students to take these standardized assessments and they are a required part of state and federal accountability. Students in our Virtual Learning Program will also be attending on the above dates. All building staff will be reporting on these days so that we may maintain small numbers in each of our testing rooms. For 11th graders, the assessments are part of the Michigan Merit Examinations and are a Dearborn graduation requirement. This includes SAT, Workkeys and MStep. Any 10th grader who is interested in the Henry Ford Collegiate Academy scholarship, must take the PSAT 10.
All high schools have been informed by the State of Michigan and the College Board that they must adhere to strict testing regulations. Students who do not adhere to any of these regulations will have their tests invalidated.
These testing regulations are as follows:
● Cell phones and other electronic devices must be powered off. We suggest students do not bring them to school. Tests will be invalidated if there is any audible notification from a cell phone or other device.
● Photo Identification must be shown (student ID or driver’s license) when students check into their testing room. Students testing should arrive at their testing room five minutes early.
● Students will have scheduled breaks where they may eat a snack which they should bring with them. No food or drink will be allowed to be consumed during testing time. Proctors will notify students when they may have their snack.
● Students should bring at least two sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers to the testing session.
● Students will need to maintain safety protocols of the Dearborn Public Schools. This includes wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer, and maintaining a safe social distance.
The State of Michigan and the College Board have very strict guidelines and we ask our families to assist us in conveying to our students not only the importance of these exams, but also the necessity to comply with the regulations set forth by the State. Additionally, students must be on time for these assessments. Students who arrive after the tests have begun will be required to return for the make-up test date.
The following is the 2021 testing schedule for all 9th, 10th, 11th grade students:
| Tuesday 4/13/2021 | Wednesday 4/14/2021 | Thursday 4/15/2021 | |
11th Graders | 7:40-12:40SAT plus Essay. Dismissal at 12:40 | 8:00-11:15 ACT WorkKeys. Dismissal at 11:15 | 8:00-11:15 M-STEP Science & SS. Dismissal at 11:15 |
12th Graders | Asynchronous | Asynchronous | Asynchronous |
10th Graders | Asynchronous | Asynchronous | No classes in the morning 11:30-2:55 PSAT 10 Dismissal at 2:55 |
9th Graders | Asynchronous | No classes in the morning 11:30-2:55 PSAT 9 Dismissal at 2:55 | Asynchronous |
Makeups will be on the following dates:
- SAT: Tuesday 4/27/21
- WorkKeys: Wednesday 4/28/21
- MSTEP: Friday 4/16 – Friday 4/30/21
What these tests are for:
SAT – The SAT is an admission test accepted by all U.S. colleges through the College Board. The College Board has programs to encourage all students to take advantage of higher education. The State of Michigan also uses this one-time test to rank our students against other students in the State. This measurement determines if high schools have made progress in reducing gaps in achievement. The SAT scores are included on the student’s transcripts that universities and colleges review.
PSAT – The PSAT test is for 9th and 10th grade students to prepare them for the SAT test which is taken during the 11th grade. The SAT is a major criterion for college admissions. This test will give students feedback on their strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study and success. A real advantage is that when students get their PSAT scores, they can get an Individual KHAN Academy Plan- which is a customized SAT study plan based on their PSAT test performance.
WorkKeys – The WorkKeys assessment measures essential workplace skills and helps focus on building career pathways. The tests also measure students’ skills and how they stack up to what employers expect from them in the workforce.
M-Step – The M-Step is an assessment that the State of Michigan uses to assess where our students rank in reference to their proficiency in science and social studies. The State of Michigan also uses this one-time test to rank our students against other students in the State and as a measurement to determine if high schools have made progress in reducing gaps in achievement. The SAT scores are included on the student’s transcripts that universities and colleges review.
It is crucial that our students come to school prepared, on time and on task to be successful on these exams. Moreover, it is important that our students continue to demonstrate to the entire State of Michigan that they are the finest students in the state.
If you have any questions please let me know.
Heyam Alcodray
