Fall 2005 MEAP Scores are in for the state of Michigan - Is your state like mine?

See 7/15/06 Post http://qualityg.blogspot.com/2006/07/quality-education-another-example-of.html

MEAP Scores for the state of Michigan are published at Fall 2005 MEAP Results.

I have been reviewing the data provided and it seems a little vague to me. For example let me share some comments made by some state educational resources regarding the scores.

1. "We're seeing more money and resources on test preparation, does that make our kids smarter? No, it doesn't it makes them better able to take standardized tests."

qualityg says ... see similar responses from MEAP results for 2003 and 2004. Same response each year. I guess statements don't get much better either.

2. "The controversy would disappear if we could collectively agree on what kids should know after 12 years of schooling."

qualityg says ... I guess this means we don't know. Can't tell the players without a scorecard, how are we going to identify schools and children in need if we have no "stinking" standardized parameters.

3. "We need to have a system where teachers are supported to get their hands around the curriculum."

qualityg says ... I hope the teachers have some big meat hooks, it's going to take some monster paws to accomplish that task. You see Teachers are like Service Reps in a Call Center. The IT, Marketing, Sales and Operations folks all send their own requirements and information they want one rep to tell the customer, many times the rep has to go to multiple systems to get the answers or information. Teachers get bombarded by all sorts of educational committees and new political agendas.

4. "Other states are not only catching up with Michigan, they are moving faster than Michigan."

qualityg says ... Let me see Mr. DOE at a big school, it has been stated by many that Michigan's state test is one of the best and toughest in the nation. So that means in order for Michigan to be passed the rest of the nation must have the "same" test or "better." Oh pleeeeze stop making statements that are not factual. Unless you have a formula for factoring in the differences, then this statement makes no sense.

5. "State Test Scores Show Students Reaching Higher Curriculum Standards." - please read this statement found at the state educational site - State Scores Show ...

qualityg says ... a lot of percents are thrown around by different people in this statement.

If 100,000 students are evaluated and 20% percent don't fully meet or don't meet standards at all how many students would be affected?

100,000 X 20% = 20, 000 students (i.e., one grade only) - How does this figure relate to "No Child Left Behind (NCLB)?"

I have no other comment.