As Michigan is moving to be a top 10 education state in 10 years, the Michigan Department of Education announced students who took the M-STEP assessment in the spring showed improvements in several subjects.
Of the 18 grade-subject combinations tested, 10 showed gains in the percent of students proficient or advance. Compared to 2015’s results the increase in proficient or advanced were in:
• Grades 5, 6 and 8 in English Language Arts (ELA)
• Grades 4, 5, 7 and 8 in mathematics, and
• Grades 4 and 7 in science
According to the department of education, science scores also rose in the 11th grade of the Michigan Merit Exam, which tests 11th graders in science and social studies. It also includes the SAT college entrance exam.
“The Spring 2016 results show scores are improving,” said State Superintendent Brian Whiston. “Additionally, we delivered the results earlier this year and significantly cut overall testing time.”
Social studies saw a slight to modest decreases in all three grades tested, which were 5th, 8th and 11th. The largest declines occurred in third grade math and ELA, a key literacy milestone because this is the time when children typically learn to read, according to the department.
“While we can celebrate our successes, our work continues with improving reading skills for our youngest learners,” Whiston said. “To make Michigan a Top 10 education state in 10 years, we need to provide the focused supports and resources to help schools, teachers, and every child learn to read by the third grade.”
To help educators, the results of the tests were also available earlier than last year. Preliminary results were available to schools within 48 hours after students completed the online assessments. This allows educators to more quickly adapt instructions, according to the release.
To see district and building M-STEP results, click here.
