The Class of 2003 at both Brandon and Goodrich out paced students statewide in exceeding or meeting standards on the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP).
Local students exceeded the state average in nearly every category, according to records released in November by the Michigan Department of Education.
The number of students qualifying for the Merit Scholarships also increased slightly in Brandon, decreased in Goodrich and dropped statewide, say Michigan Department of Education officials.
‘Although we’re disappointed with some of the scores,? said Jeremy Hughes, Michigan’s chief academic officer and deputy superintendent. ‘These scores will help us gauge schools’s strength and weaknesses. We certainly intend to get all students to meet of exceed the state standards.?
Bob Foreback, Goodrich High School guidance counselor says while the scores in Goodrich are higher than statewide averages, the process of improving MEAP scores will continue.
‘It’s an ongoing curriculum change to keep things aligned,? said Foreback It’s definitely an ongoing process. We’re always trying to improve and get the largest number of kids, especially for scholarships, because that’s what parents want.?
Since the lowest scoring areas for Goodrich are in math and social studies, the school board recently increased requirements in math from two classes to three, starting with the class of 2004.
In the Brandon School District, where students exceeded the statewide results in each category except Social Studies, officials have already made efforts to rectify the lower scores.
‘We have just realigned our Social Studies curriculum with the state requirements,? said Beth Nuccio, Brandon school board president.
‘We look for student achievement, the MEAP is a very visible and important score.?
Bart Jenniches, Brandon Schools superintendent, emphasized that those students who scored in the Level 1 and 2 performance tiers as sophomore where not included in the results.
‘There’s a significant number of sophomore students that took the test that are not included in the results,? said Jenniches. ‘Our numbers would have been higher had those students been included.?
Statewide social studies tests are the most challenging tests for students, say Department of Education officials. The tests are designed to measure a student’s knowledge of history, geography, economics and civics. In addition there’s an inquiry and decision-making component that requires a student to take a stand on a public issue presented and to support the stand or viewpoint.
Both Brandon and Goodrich continue to have a significant number of students qualify for the $2,500 Merit scholarship. To qualify, student must have ‘one? or ‘two? in four of the five subject areas including math, reading, science, and writing or pass three out of those four subject areas, plus score a 24 or higher on the ACT.