Gains in 2012 MEAP scores

LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) - The Michigan Department of Education Monday released statewide fall 2012 Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) results showing student gains for reading, mathematics and writing in all grades and most demographic groups.

"We're moving in the right direction and that's a credit to our schools, parents and the students themselves," Gov. Rick Snyder said in a news release. "But much work remains and achieving further gains will demand our continued commitment. Michigan's future depends on the quality of education and preparation our students receive. It is critical to ensure our children are ready when they first enter school and are on track to be career- and college-ready by the time they graduate."

Students showed gains in reading proficiency at all grade levels, particularly in grades three and eight (4.1 and 5.2 percent gain respectively). Mathematics also had proficiency gains at all grade levels, with the largest gains occurring in grades three, four, and five (4.6, 5.0, and 6.1 percent gain respectively). Writing proficiency saw a 4.4 percent increase in grade seven and a 2.2 percent increase in grade four.

"These gains demonstrate Michigan's teachers and students are rising to the challenge of the rigorous standards established last year," said State Superintendent Mike Flanagan. "I am encouraged by the progress being made in Michigan schools and look forward to the continued efforts to help all students achieve at a higher level in all subjects."

The once-per-year MEAP tests are based on career- and college-ready standards, and are the only statewide measure of what students know and are able to do in grades three through nine. Reading and mathematics are tested each year in grades three through eight; writing is tested in grades four and seven; science is tested in grades five and eight; and social studies are tested in grades six and nine.

Although the results of the fall 2012 MEAP assessments are being released publicly Monday, school districts in Michigan received student-level results in December 2012, providing teachers with the ability to review and analyze those results at the earliest opportunity, and to use that information to provide targeted instruction to students.

All MEAP scores are divided into four performance levels: Not Proficient, Partially Proficient, Proficient, and Advanced. Students who place in either the Proficient or Advanced levels are considered to have "met or exceeded" standards (are "proficient") in that subject. Michigan students are tested each October on knowledge and skills learned through the end of the previous year.

When compared to 2011 scores, social studies scores saw a gain of 2.0 percent in grade six and experienced a fractional decline of 0.1 percent in grade nine. However, science assessments saw a decline of 2.2 percent in grade five and a 0.6 percent drop in grade eight.

To recognize the importance of student readiness in all subjects, beginning with this school year, all subjects (not just mathematics and reading) will be part of Michigan's school accountability system and will be displayed on school "scorecards."

The achievement gap in reading has narrowed in three of six grades for African-American students and limited English proficient students, four of six grades for Hispanic students, five of six grades for students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students.

"The good news is that most student groups have made substantial progress in mathematics, and in reading their progress actually has narrowed achievement gaps," said Flanagan. "I have confidence that teachers will be able to use these and other data to develop strategies and interventions to help all students, in all subjects, succeed."

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Online:
 
To view complete MEAP results, go to www.michigan.gov/mischooldata and click on the Assessment Results tab on the left under District and School Profiles. You can also visit the MEAP webpage at www.michigan.gov/meap and click on the MEAP Test Results or the Downloadable Data Files tabs.

While a majority of students in Michigan participate in the MEAP, it is not appropriate all students. For that reason, the state developed MEAP-Access and MI-Access, the state's alternate assessment programs. The assessment a student takes is determined by that student's Individualized Education Program Team (IEPT).

To view complete MEAP-Access results, go to www.michigan.gov/meap-access and click on the Statewide Results link.

To view complete MI-Access results, go to www.michigan.gov/mi-access and click on the Statewide Results link. There are three MI-Access assessments in which students with disabilities can take part: Participation, Supported Independence, and Functional Independence.