Macomb Township

CVS MEAP scores in line with state proficiency standards

By Robin Ruehlen
C & G Staff Writer

Students in the Chippewa Valley Schools scored on par with or higher than statewide scores for proficiency on the 2011 Michigan Education Assessment Program test under the state’s rigorous new scoring system.

However, despite the improved “cut scores” system that is intended to better represent career and college-ready achievement standards, statewide proficiency in reading and mathematics increased an average of 3 percent in reading and 1 percent in math from 2010.

In reading, 67 percent of CVS third graders met or exceeded proficiency standards, in comparison with 62 percent statewide. Nearly 77 percent of fourth graders met or exceeded proficiency compared to the state average of 68 percent, and 77 percent of fifth graders were proficient, compared with 69 percent statewide.

Over 75 percent of sixth graders tested proficient in reading, 65 percent of seventh graders and 69 percent of eighth graders, compared with state scores of 67 percent for sixth graders, 60 percent for seventh-graders and 61 percent for eighth graders

In math, 35 percent of CVS third graders, 40 percent of fourth graders, 41 percent of fifth graders and 39 percent of sixth graders met or exceeded standards, as did 42 percent of seventh graders and 34 percent of eighth graders. State scores on math proficiency were 36 percent for third graders, 40 percent for fourth and fifth graders, 37 percent for sixth and seventh graders and 29 percent for eighth graders.

In writing, 52 percent of CVS fourth graders and 55 percent of seventh graders tested proficient, compared with 45 percent of fourth graders and 47 percent of seventh graders statewide.

In science, 16 percent of CVS fifth graders and 13 percent of eighth graders tested proficient, which was slightly lower than the state scores of 15 percent for fifth graders and 17 percent of eighth graders.

In social studies, 30 percent of CVS sixth graders and 31 percent of eighth graders were proficient, higher than the state scores of 28 percent for sixth graders and 29 percent for ninth graders.

Chippewa Valley Schools Superintendent Ron Roberts could not be reached for comment.

According to the Michigan Department of Education, the MEAP is based on state education standards and is designed to measure what state educators, employers and parents believe all students should know in math, reading, science, social studies and writing. Cut scores define performance in the categories of Advanced, Proficient, Partially Proficient and Not Proficient.

Students in grades three through nine take the MEAP each October and are tested on what was learned through the end of the previous school year.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan said in a statement that Michigan educators have shown “strong support” in the effort to raise cut scores to better prepare students.

“I have every confidence that academic growth will continue in reading and mathematics, and Michigan students and educators will meet the challenge increase proficiency in science, social studies and writing,” he said.

To view complete MEAP results, visit www.michigan.gov/mischooldata or www.michigan.gov/meap.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Robin Ruehlen at rruehlen@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1105.