The school district finished near the top among Oakland County schools in the latest round of Michigan Education Assessment Program testing.
Students in grades 3-9 were tested for their proficiency in the areas of math, English, science and social studies, with Lake Orion students showing improvement in the categories of math (88.5 percent proficiency) and social studies (90.1 percent proficiency).
The results of Oakland County’s 2006-07 MEAP proficiency scores showed Lake Orion is still in the top tier of school districts, finishing with a composite score of 89.3 percent, a slight decline from the previous year.
County schools finishing with higher composite scores were: Bloomfield Hills, 93.7 percent; Rochester, 92.8 percent; Novi, 92.7 percent; Birmingham, 92.5 percent; and Clarkston, 90.3 percent.
The majority of Oakland County school districts (22 of 28) scored above the average state ‘composite? score of 76 percent.
Students in Pontiac, Oak Park, Madison Heights, Ferndale, Hazel Park and Southfield, also showed improvement in at least one tested area, with most improving in more than one area.
Based on the goals of the existing No Child Left Behind legislation, 100 percent of students are expected to be proficient in all test areas by 2014.
David Beiter, Orion schools? Asst. Supt. of Curriculum and Instruction, says the latest scores represent steady performance on the part of students, while acknowledging the need to continue on the path to improvement.
‘The positive is that the students seem to be advancing from year to year,? said Beiter. ‘When you’re around the 90th percentile, there is going to be less fluctuation. But we see the kids? scores going up as they advance grades.?
Beiter said district officials are pleased that math and social studies increased, suggesting that teachers are focused on meeting the standards and expectations of No Child Left Behind legislation.
‘The improvements were good to see,? he said. ‘We prefer to look at the individual buildings, then break down the scores to see where the weaknesses exist. Then we can look at ways we can address and improve in those areas.?