At Wexford Elementary School in Lansing, students were treated to a pep rally. It was held to give them a positive attitude for the upcoming MEAP test.
Students in fourth through eighth grades in every school in the state will be taking the test between now and Feb. 14.
The MEAP is used to evaluate how well students are learning basic skills. It tests writing, math, science, and social studies depending on grade level.
Students have as much time as they need to complete the test. But educators say parents play an important role in test preparedness.
They say parents should make sure their student gets a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast. But most importantly, they say, is to talk with your child about the test and give him or her positive reinforcement.
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Facts About the MEAP Test
- The Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) tests were developed for the purpose of determining what students know and what students are able to do, as compared to these standards, at key checkpoints during their academic career.
- The MEAP tests have been recognized nationally as sound, reliable and valid measurements of academic achievement.
- Students who score high on these tests have demonstrated significant achievement in valued knowledge and skill.
- The tests provide a common denominator to measure how well students are doing, and to assure that all Michigan students are measured on the same skills and knowledge, in the same way, at the same time.
- Properly Used, the MEAP tests can:
- Measure academic achievement as compared to expectations, and whether it is improving over time.
- Determine whether improvement programs and policies are having the desired effect.
- Target academic help where it’s needed.
- The MEAP tests and administration of the tests are far from perfect, but our collective effort should be student focused with a clear bias toward accurate analysis, constructive criticism and continual improvement.
- The MEAP tests were developed to measure what Michigan educators believe all students should know and be able to achieve in five content areas:
- Social Studies
- The MEAP test is the only common measure given statewide to all students. It serves as a measure of accountability for Michigan schools.
Source: http://www.meritaward.state.mi.us/ (Michigan Merit Award MEAP Report Web Site) contributed to this report.