Traverse City Record-Eagle

Archive: Tuesday

TBAISD MICHIGAN MERIT EXAM RESULTS

Percent Proficient

     Math     Reading     Science     Social Studies     Writing

2008     24     57     25     49     46

2009     29     57     29     52     51

2010     30     63     29     46     51

2011     31     61     33     49     57

2012     31     62     32     47     55

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Composite ACT Scores

The benchmark score is 21

     TBAISD     TCAPS

2008     19.4     20.1

July 3, 2012

Math remains a struggle on standardized tests

Test scores in region still better than the state average

BY JAMES RUSSELL jrussell@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — Eleventh-graders in northwest Lower Michigan continue to outpace their peers statewide on educational assessments, but officials said more work needs to be done.

The Michigan Department of Education released results for the 2012 Michigan Merit Examination taken by high school juniors. The test also includes the national, standardized ACT test.

MME scores in the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District remain essentially flat in most areas, but surpass state averages in all subjects — math, reading, science, social studies and writing. ISD students scored highest in reading, with 62 percent considered proficient. That's up from 61 percent in 2011.

"We're pleased with the continued progress we're making in reading. I would suggest that is demonstrative of the time that we're spending in our local schools on reading," said Assistant Superintendent Jason Jeffrey. "I do think we spend the most significant amount of time in that subject, and that's the proper decision to make. If one can read, they'll have the opportunity to teach themselves anything they're interested in later in life or in their educational career."

But math scores continue to be much lower, with just 31 percent proficient in the subject within the ISD. State average proficiency rates are 29 percent.

The ISD implemented a number of new programs to boost math skills at local districts, including supplemental online course materials available to any teacher or student who needs them. Right now, online instruction is available in geometry and algebra I and II.

Students in Traverse City Area Public Schools averaged a higher proficiency on the MME than the overall ISD, but results dropped in four of five subjects. TCAPS' math proficiency dropped to 34 percent from 36 percent.

"That is an area that we are continuing to put an emphasis on," said TCAPS Associate Superintendent Jayne Mohr.

The district intends to use new instructional strategies, such as online learning and new technologies, to engage students.

Mohr said TCAPS places a greater focus on the ACT exam. The district's average composite ACT score in 2012 was 20.8, down from 21.0 in 2011 but above the state average of 19.5. Students in the ISD averaged 20.1.

The state sets a benchmark score of 21, considered the minimum score required for a student to have a high probability of success in a related first-year, credit-bearing college course.

"We see the ACT as the gatekeeper for college and university entrance," Mohr said. "It is a national exam that many colleges and universities across the country use as one criteria for entrance. Michigan Merit only has meaning in Michigan."

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