Student Achievement
At Whitehall District Schools, we believe that student success is measured in many ways—state assessments are just one part of a much bigger picture. While tests help us track academic progress and ensure we are meeting state standards, they do not define the full value of a child’s learning experience.
State Assessments
Students in grades 3–12 participate in a variety of annual state assessments, including:
M-STEP (Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress) – administered in grades 3–8, &11 to measure student achievement in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
PSAT – taken by students in grades 8, 9 and 10 as a preparatory measure for the SAT and to provide early feedback on college readiness.
SAT – administered in grade 11 and used for both college admissions and state accountability.
These assessments provide valuable information about student learning, guide instructional planning, and help identify areas where additional support or enrichment may be needed.
Benchmark Assessments
In addition to state testing, WDS uses benchmark assessments throughout the year to closely monitor student progress and adjust instruction as needed. This includes tools such as DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) to assess foundational reading skills in the early grades, and NWEA MAP Growth assessments in reading and math to track academic growth over time. These assessments give teachers timely, detailed feedback, allowing them to provide targeted support and enrichment for each student.
Beyond the Test Scores
We know that test scores are just one measure of a student’s growth. At WDS, we also value:
Classroom performance and projects
Creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration skills
Social and emotional development
Participation in the arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities
Positive contributions to the school and community
Our goal is to develop well-rounded learners who are prepared not only for academic success, but also for life beyond the classroom.
Accessing Our Data
Using the link below, you can explore our district’s state assessment results, which provide a snapshot of how our students are performing compared to state benchmarks. These results, when viewed alongside classroom and district-level data, help us continuously improve teaching and learning for every student.
Michigan Merit Exam (MME) is given to all 11th grade students in the spring of their 11th grade year. This test is part ACT (American College Test - a college entrance test), part Workkeys (a job readiness test), and partly a measure of students' knowledge of the High School Grade Level Content Expectations (HSCEs).