TRAVERSE CITY, MI (January 22, 2007) – The Michigan Department of Education today released the statewide results of the Fall 2006 Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) tests for grades 3-8.
District results showed TCAPS’ students outperformed the State across all grade levels tested in the percentage of students who met or exceeded proficiency standards in English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies MEAP tests. In these subject area tests, TCAPS’ scores exceeded State results by up to five percentage points at the elementary level (grades 3-6); with escalating achievement levels that exceed the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District (TBAISD) Region and State results in the range of ten percentage points at the junior high level (grades 7-8). The only exception to this trend was TCAPS’ 3rd and 4th grade Writing test results, which were three percent below the State results.
“Today’s student achievement results are very encouraging news, but we are intent upon reaching higher. TCAPS’ students performed higher than the State at every grade level tested in all but one subject area test. Writing continues to be an area of concentration and we are looking closely at grades K-2. Thereafter TCAPS’ student performance quickly escalates. As our students progress along grade levels their achievement results climb dramatically in comparison to the Region and State,” remarked Superintendent Jim Feil. “Our work is about students and we’re keeping a laser focus on student achievement for every student. TCAPS will use this data to improve curriculum and instruction and to zoom in from a district level to a building level to the individual student and compare this information with other assessment data. We continue to set our goal for 100% proficient.”
“We believe that TCAPS’ high level of student achievement is also an indicator of high levels of student engagement and supportive families who want their children to achieve and reach higher,” noted Dr. Jayne Mohr, Associate Superintendent. “ Students at TCAPS are thriving and excelling in academics that are enhanced and complemented with engaging electives as well as students’ involvement in many extracurricular pursuits such as the arts, athletics, and more. Our students’ success also reflects quality learning that is a direct result of TCAPS’ highly qualified teachers, instructional techniques, and research-based curriculum,” Dr. Mohr indicated.
“We are pleased with our progress and with the caring partnerships among students, parents, staff, and our community who are all working together to reach higher so every student is prepared with knowledge and strategies for a lifetime of successful learning,” Superintendent Feil emphasized.
The public will be able to view school district and building results on the Michigan Department of Education Web site: www.michigan.gov. Additionally, TCAPS’ District results are charted on the Student Achievement page located on TCAPS’ District Web site. Go to: http://www.tcaps.net/Information/StudentAchievement/tabid/96/Default.aspx.
Please contact Traverse City Area Public Schools’ Superintendent Jim Feil at 933-1725 for further information.