The fall 2013 MEAP data have been released by the State of Michigan. The current reading, writing (only given in 4th grade), math, and science (only given in 5th grade) scores for Mitchell show below. For purposes of comparison the previous data for a given cohort group of students is also shown. We use this cohort data at school to best see if a given group of students is making progress relative to the MEAP data.
3rd Grade Cohort
2013 Reading - 38.6% proficient + 4.5% advanced = 43.1% proficient/advanced (passing)
2013 Math - 20.5% proficient + 13.6% advanced = 34.1% proficient/advanced (passing)
2013 Reading - 38.6% proficient + 4.5% advanced = 43.1% proficient/advanced (passing)
2013 Math - 20.5% proficient + 13.6% advanced = 34.1% proficient/advanced (passing)
4th Grade Cohort - data from the group's third and fourth grade years
2012 Reading - 66.7% proficient + 0% advanced = 66.7% proficient/advanced (passing)
2013 Reading - 61% proficient + 2.4% advanced = 63.4% proficient/advanced (passing)
2012 Math - 33.3% proficient + 4.8% advanced = 38.1% proficient/advanced (passing)
2013 Math - 31.7% proficient + 9.8% advanced = 41.7% proficient/advanced (passing)
2013 Writing - 34.1% proficient + 0% advanced = 34.1% proficient/advanced (passing)
5th Grade Cohort - data from the group's third, fourth and fifth grade years
2011 Reading - 43.8% proficient + 6.3% advanced = 50.1% proficient/advanced (passing)
2012 Reading - 54% proficient + 0% advanced = 54% proficient/advanced (passing)
2013 Reading - 49% proficient + 14.3% advanced = 63.3%proficient/advanced (passing)
2011 Math - 29.2% proficient + 4.2% advanced = 33.4% proficient/advanced (passing)
2012 Math - 28% proficient + 10% advanced = 38% proficient/advanced (passing)
2013 Math - 38% proficient + 14% advanced = 52% proficient/advanced (passing)
2013 Science - 5.9% proficient + 7.8% advanced = 13.7% proficient/advanced (passing)
2012 Math - 28% proficient + 10% advanced = 38% proficient/advanced (passing)
2013 Math - 38% proficient + 14% advanced = 52% proficient/advanced (passing)
2013 Science - 5.9% proficient + 7.8% advanced = 13.7% proficient/advanced (passing)
Please note the progress that fourth and fifth grades have made on the MEAP test during their time at Mitchell - with the exception of the fourth grade reading data where we've seen a slight downturn. Upon analysis of that specific data, the difference in the scores had to do with students who scored one point lower on the MEAP reading test in fourth grade as compared with their third grade results. I anticipate that those students will continue to learn at a rate of at least one year of academic growth for each year of school . . . and that they will perform higher on next test.
Other than the notable fourth grade MEAP reading exception, Mitchell has demonstrated incremental growth over the last two years and has demonstrated that academic progress is being made in significant ways. Great job to Mitchell students, parents, and teachers!
It is also important to note that we track other data points at Mitchell - not just MEAP results - to gauge performance including NWEA MAP test results, SRI test results, and report card results. We do this to get the most accurate picture of what is happening for individual students and their learning. These multiple data points enable us to answer questions like:
- Is a student meeting the state standards as measured by the MEAP test?
- Is a student on track for making a year of growth in reading or math as measured by the NWEA test (or SRI test for reading), even if the student did not "pass" the MEAP test?
- Is a student meeting expectations in the grade level curriculum as measured by the report cards?
- What specifically does a student need to learn next in order to make the next "jump" in their learning?
Given these other data points, it is apparent that while fourth grade MEAP reading scores are valuable, they do not tell the full story of fourth grade reading success at Mitchell. Using NWEA results, for example, we see that students are making growth as measured by fall and winter NWEA testing. We expect further growth will occur as measured by winter and fall NWEA testing (along with some exceptional teaching). In the end we anticipate our fourth graders who were slightly lower on this year's MEAP reading test to make progress as measured by other assessments we use. In fact, we're carefully watching and working to make sure this occurs to the best of our abilities.
The questions above (and the answers to them) are important because they give a more full understanding of success. Some might remember I've previously shared that the Mitchell program helps almost all students to grow at least one year academically for each year they are in school. At Mitchell we report this because some of our students do not currently meet the state standards (for lots of valid reasons like they are learning English), BUT they are definitely making a year or more of academic growth. It gives a perspective that can't be seen when looking at just MEAP data.
Mitchell is a high-quality academic experience, and we are working to help students and to be the best we can be.
Thank you to the Mitchell staff and parents for their work in supporting our students. Most of all, congratulations to our students for their efforts!!! We still have a lot of work to do, but we're excited about the current progress!
