Dear Families,

As we move into the month of October, students will be participating in the annual MEAP (Michigan Educational Assessment Program).  MEAP is Michigan’s general assessment for students in grades 3 through 9. It is based on Michigan’s grade level content expectations in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students are assessed in the fall of each year on the prior year’s expectations.

Test dates and times are predetermined by the Michigan Department of Education.  Assessments are administered in sections over a course of several days.  Administration times vary from 20 – 80 minutes per section.  2013 test dates are as follows:

• Oct. 8 & 9:  Reading (grades 3 – 8)

• Oct. 10:  Writing Day 1 (grades 4 & 7)

• Oct. 15:  Mathematics (grades 3 – 8)

• Oct. 16:  Writing Day 2 (grades 4 & 7), Science (grades 5 & 8)

• Oct. 16 – Nov. 5*: On-line Social Studies (grades 6 & 9)

*Building principals will communicate specific dates during this window

The MEAP results are used for many purposes, including informing instructional practice and tracking student performance. MEAP is also used for a number of high-stakes accountability measures, such as determining a building’s and district’s Adequate Yearly Progress, school rankings and designations (Reward, Focus or Priority), and educator evaluations.

As the uses of the test results expand, the importance of ensuring high-quality, fair, and

standardized test administration increases. Schools must administer tests within state and

federal guidelines. These guidelines sometime appear restrictive; however, these guidelines ensure equitability between all schools and all students.

For example, resources, such as writing posters, maps, multiplication tables, and other content information on the wall, that might provide students with clues to answers of test questions must be removed from classrooms. If students can view these resources during testing, they will have an advantage over students who cannot use these resources.

In addition, we have found that students do their best when additional distractions are removed from the testing environment such as snacks, books, and art supplies.  Students who finish early are encouraged to go back and recheck their answers and then wait quietly while their classmates complete the assessment.

We are asking that you partner with us to ensure that your child be prepared for the MEAP test by making sure he/she is in school during the testing dates, gets a good night’s sleep, has a healthy breakfast, and understands the importance of doing his/her personal best.

Thank you for your assistance and please feel free to contact me if you have questions.