2010 MEAP Scores: Birmingham Students Excel, Top State Averages

Birmingham Public Schools students continue to exceed statewide MEAP averages, according to fall 2010 test results released today.

"We continue to do very well, and we're really pleased with the scores," said the district's Community Relations director Marcia Wilkinson. "Our students are consistently some of the best in the state."

Statewide, math and reading scores have risen, according to a press release from the Michigan Department of Education, due to "rigorous K-8 Grade Level Content Expectations" that were implemented in 2004 and first assesed in 2005.

During the MEAP exam, taken during fall 2010, students in grades 3-9 were tested in math, reading, writing, social studies and/or science, depending on the grade level.

The Birmingham district showed small dips and climbs by grade and subject (as compared to 2009 results) in the percentage of students who met or exceeded the standards for their grade and subject. More than 90 percent of Birmingham students in grades 3-8 met or exceeded their grade-level goals in all subjects, with the exception of the new writing test for fourth- and seventh-graders. Just less than 70 percent of Birmingham fourth- and seventh-graders met or exceeded the writing standards — well above the statewide averages of 47 percent and 48 percent.

“Our students need and deserve a high quality education and the best possible preparation more than ever in today’s knowledge-based economy and world,” Gov. Rick Snyder said. “Establishing rigorous standards and being accountable in part through performance assessments are critical beginnings in realizing a first-rate education for every student that will help drive Michigan’s reinvention and economic transformation.”

Despite the high scores, Wilkinson warned that the MEAP is just one way the state uses to assess its students. "This is one snapshot, taken at one time," she said. "There are a lot of other factors you have to look at (to determine which students are doing well). MEAP is just one tool in a very large toolbox."

Wilkinson noted that next year will be a challenge for all districts, with the state raising MEAP's cut scores. Rather, she said Birmingham is excited to utilize more tools — not just MEAP — to assess and track student development in the upcoming years.

Wilkinson said the school will be sending home individual student reports after spring break.

For a detailed look at each school, visit each school's individual report:

Fall 2010 MEAP scores

Percentage of students who met or exceeded state standards:

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Grade 9

Source: Michigan Department of Education