Both the Goodrich and Brandon school districts outpaced state numbers in all Michigan Education Assessment Program categories this year.
All except social studies, where Brandon lagged behind the state average by two percent. Both districts improved on the MEAP compared to their 2003 scores except Brandon math (down one percent) and Goodrich writing (down six percent).
Significant increases were reflected in Goodrich social studies up 15 percent and Brandon reading up 8 percent compared to their respective schools? 2003 scores.
‘We’re very pleased with these scores,? said Sue May, Brandon’s assistant superintendent of curriculum and instructional services. Although gaining 7 percent over 2003, Brandon students lagged 2 percent behind the state average in social studies.
‘We’re going to do more MEAP-like questions regarding the social studies exam,? said May. ‘The focus of the exam is to formulate an argument and take a position on an issue.? A statewide committee is currently working on re-evaluating the social studies exam, says May.
The classes of 2004 had three tries at taking the test, first in their junior year, then last fall and spring, says Kenneth Andrzejewski, Goodrich High School principal.
The GHS Class of 2004 brought scores up in every area except writing.
‘I’m somewhat disappointed with the writing score,? said Andrzejewski, ‘even though it was above the state average.?
Although grading of writing sections is subjective, the results didn’t include details on what brought the grade down.
While the social studies grade is low in comparison to other test sections, it’s not considered reliable’Michigan Merit Awards don’t currently take the grade into consideration, said Andrzejewski.
The relatively new test portion isn’t aligned with curriculum across the state; students may take the test before studying subject matter, Andrzekewski said.