Michigan Educators Pleased By Results on Statewide Tests

By George J. Tanber, The Blade, Toledo, Ohio

Mar. 10–Officials at Hudson Area Schools in Lenawee County were elated over the results of the annual Michigan Educational Assessment Program, or MEAP test, which were released yesterday. “We have to give all the credit to the teachers for it. A lot of effort went into this. The students are learning, and they’re having fun,” said Lori Lancaster, executive assistant to Superintendant Kathryn Malnar. Hudson students in grades three through eight bested the state average in a number of categories. Third graders’ math scores were at 97.1 percent, compared to the state average of 87 percent and Lenawee County average of 91 percent. Fifth graders’ reading scores were at 91.1 percent, compared to the state average of 80 percent and county average of 83 percent. Fifth graders’ writing test scores were at 71.4 percent, compared to the state average of 63 percent and county average of 56 percent. Science scores of Hudson’s eighth graders were 86.1 percent, compared to the state average of 77 percent and county average of 84 percent.

Ms. Lancaster said the district’s MEAP scores six years ago were “pretty unsatisfactory.” But the district hired Ms. Malnar, who brought on board a curriculum director, and things began to improve each year. “We’ve come a long way,” Ms. Lancaster said. She said the improved test results of the last five years have trickled up to the higher grades, giving better across-the-board scores. “We were concerned about the middle school this year, but they did pretty good,” Ms. Lancaster said. Statewide, officials said they were pleased with the results as well. More than 80 percent of the students taking the third and fourth grade MEAP mathematics assessment and third, fourth, and fifth grade reading assessment met or exceeded expectations. More than 70 percent met or exceeded expectations on the fifth grade mathematics test; the fifth and eighth grade science tests; the sixth grade social studies tests, and the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade reading tests. Likewise, more than 79 percent of the students taking the third through eighth grade mathematics and English language arts MI-Access assessments reached the Attained or Surpassed levels. “This is very promising,” Gov. Jennifer Granholm said. “These are the fundamental skills our students need to succeed in high school, postsecondary, and the workforce in our global economy. It is exciting to see so many of our students meeting our high standards at these early grades.” Third graders were tested for the first time. In addition, this is the first year that all students were assessed in mathematics and English language arts, in compliance with the federal No Child Left Behind Act, which doubled the number of Michigan students tested to nearly one million. Prior to this school year, students were assessed in different subjects in different grades. Additionally, the students took the test in October for the first time, rather than in the winter term, as has been done in previous years. As a result, they were tested on information learned during the previous school year. Bedford Public Schools Superintendent Jon White said moving the test date provided teachers and students with a significant challenge. “They’re off all summer, and they had to get going again [quickly],” he said. Bedford scores improved, continuing an upward trend. “I’m pleased with our students’ performance. I know they are getting a quality education here,” Mr. White said. Michigan schools began implementing the new standards, known as Grade Level Content Expectations, in the 2004-05 school year. Mr. White said Bedford teachers have done well under the new format. “I’m pleased that our teachers have worked so hard to make sure our students have a good understanding of the [new curriculum],” he said. Contact George J. Tanber at: ganber@theblade.com or 734-241-3610.

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Blade, Toledo, Ohio

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