February 11, 2013

LANSING - The Michigan Department of Education today 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. “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 3 and 8 (4.1 and 5.2 percent gain respectively). Mathematics also had proficiency gains at all grade levels, with the largest gains occurring in grades 3, 4, and 5 (4.6, 5.0, and 6.1 percent gain respectively). Writing proficiency saw a 4.4 percent increase in grade 7 and a 2.2 percent increase in grade 4.

“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 3 through 9. Reading and mathematics are tested each year in grades 3 through 8; writing is tested in grades 4 and 7; science is tested in grades 5 and 8; and social studies are tested in grades 6 and 9.

Although the results of the fall 2012 MEAP assessments are being released publicly today, school districts in Michigan received student-level results back in December, 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.

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.