Teaching & Learning

Madison District Public Schools proudly serves a diverse population across Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb Counties. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive educational environment that adapts to the needs of every student, ensuring they thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

TEACHING AND LEARNING THROUGH 

OUR CORE VALUES 

Students First

We are committed to creating a supportive environment centered on the needs of each student. Every decision, from our diverse programs to our welcoming culture, reflects our dedication to putting Students First, ensuring each child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Courageous in Teaching, Learning, and Leading

Our educators are passionate about teaching and embrace innovative approaches to challenge students in meaningful ways. By being Courageous in Teaching, Learning, and Leading, we foster an environment that encourages bold ideas, fosters critical thinking, and prepares students to take on new challenges confidently.

One Percent Better Every Day

Our focus on continuous improvement means we strive to be One Percent Better each day. Whether it's enhancing academic programs, integrating new technologies, or providing additional student resources, we are dedicated to consistent growth that benefits our students and community.

Perseverance

We encourage resilience in our students and staff, cultivating a culture where challenges are met with determination. At Madison, we believe in Perseverance, teaching our students that effort, patience, and hard work are essential to overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

Ethical Foundations

Integrity and respect are at the heart of our community. Through our Ethical Foundations, we create a space where students learn the importance of honesty, empathy, and good citizenship. This value shapes them into responsible, thoughtful individuals who positively impact their world.

Together, these core values enable us to provide an exceptional education where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We invite you to be part of a community that lives its values each day and works toward a brighter future for all.

Madison District Public Schools District and State Testing

2024-2025 Testing Schedule

Horizon Education

Horizon Education is a forward-thinking educational initiative designed to enhance student learning and achievement through personalized, innovative, and equity-focused approaches. The program aims to equip students with essential skills and knowledge necessary for success in their academic pursuits and future careers. One significant aspect of this educational framework is its alignment with standardized testing, particularly the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test).

NWEA

NWEA’s computerized adaptive tests are called Measure of Academic Progress, or MAP. When taking
a MAP test, the difficulty of each question is based on how well a student answers all the previous questions. As the student answers correctly, questions become more difficult. If the student answers incorrectly, the questions become easier. In an optimal test, a student answers approximately half the items correctly and half incorrectly. The final score is an estimate of the student’s achievement level. 

Tests developed by NWEA use a scale called RIT to measure student achievement and growth. RIT stands for Rasch UnIT, which is a measurement scale developed to simplify the interpretation of test scores. The RIT score relates directly to the curriculum scale in each subject area. It is an equal-interval scale, like feet and inches, so scores can be added together to calculate accurate class or school averages.

RIT scores range from about 140 to 300. Students typically start at the 140 to 190 level in the third grade and progress to the 240 to 300 level by high school. RIT scores make it possible to follow a student’s educational growth from year to year.

M-STEP

The Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, or M-STEP, is a 21st Century computer-based assessment designed to gauge how well students are mastering state standards. These standards, developed for educators by educators, broadly outline what students should know and be able to do in order to be prepared to enter the workplace, career education training, and college. When combined with classroom work, report cards, local district assessments and other tools, M-STEP results offer a comprehensive view of student progress and achievement. 


SAT/PSAT College Board Suite of Assessments

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) uses the SAT with Essay as one part of the Michigan Merit Examination. In April 2025, the state will offer the PSAT 8/9 to eighth- and ninth-grade students, the PSAT 10 to sophomores, and the SAT to juniors during regular school hours for free.  

WIDA

The WIDA ACCESS for ELLs suite of assessments comprises secure large-scale English language proficiency assessments administered to Kindergarten through 12th grade students who have been identified as English learners (ELs). The assessments are given annually in Michigan to monitor students’ progress in acquiring academic English, and include Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLs, ACCESS for ELLs online and paper-based, and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs.