By David Fleet

Editor

Goodrich-District students topped nearly all state test scores and outpaced county-wide averages in several categories according the results of M-STEP.

Last week the Michigan Department of Education released scores from the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, or M-STEP, for about 650,000 students statewide in grades 3-8 who were tested in English language arts, math, science and social studies. The M-STEP exam replaced the Michigan Educational Assessment Program, also known as the MEAP, which was the state’s longtime standardized testing program.

“We are very proud of the work our teachers and students put forth over the past two years,” said Michelle Imbrunone, district superintendent. “We recognize that the M-STEP now uses a computer device— that is a skill set and we are working to insure our students are comfortable and capable as the test moves forward.”

About 95 percent of all Michigan schools, including Goodrich, took the online test this year, compared to 80 percent last year. A pencil-and-paper option remains available for those relatively few districts that are not yet ready technologically.

The district led Genesee County in fifth, seventh and eighth grade math and grade 11 in social studies. In addition, the district was second in the county in fifth grade English. In science the district was second in grades seven and 11 compared to county schools.

“These scores will be shared with current teachers so we can explore any areas that might need to be reinforced this school year,” she added. “We always are reflective on ways in which we can continually improve.”

With the exception of the fourth grade, the district’s scores exceeded state averages in all areas. For grades 3-8 statewide, 47 percent were proficient in English; 37 percent were proficient in math; 24 percent in science and 30 percent in social studies.

Compared to Genesee County, fourth grade scored above the county average in math and equal to the county average in science, and just below the county average in English.

In comparison to the 2015 M-STEP scores, the district improved in eight subjects: third grade math, fifth grade math, fifth grade English, fifth grade social studies, seventh grade math, 11th grade science and 11th grade social studies. The scores declined in fourth grade math, English and science, sixth grade math and English, seventh grade English and science, eighth grade math, English and social studies.

The greatest gains were in 11th grade social studies, where proficiency jumped 22.07 percent, and fifth grade English, which improved 19.47 percent.

Conversely, the greatest declines were in fourth grade math, sliding 15.46 percent and eighth grade social studies, dropping 13.3 percent.