Time to Practice!

As an educator you have access to multiple resources and practice problems.  Below are two options for the computer adaptive practice problems:
  • The M-STEP Spring 2015 Preview is intended to provide students and teachers with a brief look at the English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics technology enhanced item types.
  • The Smarter Balanced Practice and Training Site is available to schools and districts for practice and training purposes as well as professional development activities.

Complete the following two practice tests
  • While doing so, focus less on the content (i.e. getting the answer right) and more on the logistics and navigation involved with online technology enhanced assessment items. 
First: Take the M-STEP Spring 2015 Preview

         Must be used in Chrome browser
  1. Click to access the M-STEP Preview, Practice Problems, and Calculator Practice.  Must be used in Chrome browser
  2. Use the username and password displayed on the screen to Sign In
  3. Remember that you don't have to get the answers right! In fact, you will not get the results anyway! 
  4. Practice how to take the test and answer questions. 
  5. BE SURE TO READ the Test Instructions by clicking on the ? and then 'Open Help'. Go through the 'Tools' section 


When done, come back to this page and continue to the next practice test below.
Second: Take the Smarter Balanced Practice Tests
  1. Click to access the Smarter Balanced Practice Tests
  2. Click 'Sign In'
  3. On the new screen select your grade from the drop down menu and click 'Yes'
  4. BE SURE TO READ the Test Instructions and Help page
  5. Please note that these are for practice only to give an idea of the type and difficulty level of the items. The actual items may look different on the M-STEP. 
You will have access to both Training and Practice Tests. Here is information on the difference between Practice and Training Tests. 
  • Choose at least one Practice Test to complete. Feel free to also take a Training Test if you wish. 
  • Remember that you don't have to get the answers right! In fact, you will not get the results anyway! 
  • Practice how to take the test and answer questions. 
When done, come back to this page and then choose 'Next Page' below. 
As a note, it is also important that you spend time with your students on the sample Classroom Activities and Performance tasks.  The essential computer skills needed for these items are typing in a text box and submitting answers.  To access the samples, please visit the MDE M-STEP website linked here.  Once there, click on the appropriate grade level as shown in the images and scroll down to the Classroom Activities and Performance tasks.