For more than five years, Lake Orion students have trounced countywide and statewide Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) averages, and 2009 was no different as overall scores hovered around 93.5 percent.
‘While we are extremely pleased with our performance, we are committed to every student reaching proficiency,? said Assistant Superintendent Heidi Kast, noting, ‘We have maintained or exceeded the county and state for all subjects.?
Armed with number two pencils last October, students? darkened circles earned them the fourth-highest average scores in reading, math, science and social studies in Oakland County. Math scores were seventh highest.
‘Our greatest gain was in reading this year,? Kast said, ‘while we maintained or improved in the other three core subject areas.? Overall, we did very well.?
Kast says common assements,’curriculum mapping and teacher collaboration were tools the district utilized to continue its ‘excellent performance.??
This year’s test was slightly different from previous years, according to school officials, as writing and English language arts was rolled into MEAP’s reading portion for fourth and seventh-graders.
Other students were not tested in those subjects.
Kast says the upcoming challenge will be the new test for science and social studies, which includes new grade level content expectations.
But, she says teachers have worked hard to align the changes from the state to the district.
‘Our staff is truly dedicated and passionate about each and every one of our students achieving,? she said.