School districts bracing for MEAP score decline | News

ZEELAND, Mich. (WZZM) -- Don't be surprised if your child's MEAP scores are lower this year.

For the 2011-2012 school year, the state changed the grading standards to make it more challenging for students.

"They're changing the number of questions you need to have correct in order to reach that proficient category." said Roosevelt Elementary principal Judy Tuttle.

Tuttle says her school and the Zeeland Public Schools district do great on MEAP. But the new regulations will significantly impact the number of students listed as 'proficient.'

In the past, students achieved 'proficiency' by getting around 40% of the questions correct.  Now students must achieve 70%.

"We're going to go from 96% and drop down to the 30% range," Tuttle said. "It's a significant jump and it's going to look very different when parents see MEAP scores this year."

The choice made by state leaders to raise the bar means Michigan is one of three states exempted from meeting a No Child Left Behind standard. Michigan will not have to have 100% proficiency on its standardized testing by 2015.

While the scores will come as an initial shock, some teachers and parents are saying raising standards is good for children in the long run.

"It's raising the bar," says Zeeland parent Carol Garnsey.  "It's going to help them as they get older.  I'm confident with my children."