MEAP Assessments are Snap Shot Pictures

by Linda Bennink, principal of Gordon Elementary School

During the weeks of October 9-27, 2006 our students in grades three through nine will be participating in the Michigan Educational Assessment Program. This annual assessment was moved from an end-of-January time slot, to October during our last school year, with the intention that our schools would receive the results back by the end of November. With the results in hand, we would be able to adjust teaching strategies and curriculum alignments for the remainder of the 2005-06 school years.

Unfortunately, the results did not get back to Michigan school districts until well into the spring of last year. However, within our district, our teaching staff had an opportunity to review our results prior to our Professional Development Day on May 5, 2006. At that time, grade level teams of teachers and administrators completed a scope and sequence curriculum document to support our identified areas in need of attention and improvement. We are looking forward to reviewing the results of our alignments.

This year, we are hoping to receive our MEAP results back in a more timely fashion, and we anticipate using the information to support the excellent teaching and learning that goes on in our classrooms each day.

As with all assessments, the MEAP is just one "snap shot" picture of our students' knowledge and ability to perform on any given school day. Our students work hard to do their best each day, and we have high expectations for their continued success.

As a parent, you can help your child as they participate in the MEAP by making sure they get to bed on time, have a good breakfast before they come to school, and that they are dressed appropriately. Dressing in layers so as to be comfortable within the classroom setting, is important.

Positive words of encouragement and asking about the assessment can support your child and let them know of your interest in their school work.

We are ready for this year's MEAP and are looking forward to sharing our positive results with our very supportive school families and the entire Marshall community.

If you have questions regarding the MEAP assessments please contact your child's school principal.

For more information on this topic, contact the Superintendent's Office at 781-1250, extension 1105.

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