MEAP/MME Information
- General Overview
-
Facts about Michigan's New Cut Scores
- 5 things Parents need to know 
- Cut Scores Video 
- Embracing the Challenge of the New Cut Scores- Saginaw ISD
- Michigan Department of Education Assessment Program
MEAP/MME General Overview
Each year, public school students in grades 3-9 are required by the state of Michigan to take the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) test. Students are tested in Mathematics, Reading, Writing, Science and Social Studies. Eleventh graders take the Michigan Merit Exam (MME). The MME assesses students in English Language Arts (reading and writing), Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. These tests assess students’ learning to ensure they are on track to be college and career ready.
The Michigan State Board of Education recently approved new MEAP and MME “cut scores” for Mathematics, Reading, Science and Social Studies. The new cut scores are designed to give us a more realistic picture of how our students are doing as they progress towards being career and college ready. Michigan is one of only three states in the nation (along with New York and Tennessee) to move to this top tier level of test scoring.
The new cut scores represent a significantly higher standard for student achievement. Previously, Michigan's cutoff score was based on whether students showed a basic understanding of the materials. Students, on some tests, could have answered as little as 39 percent of the questions correctly to be considered proficient. This year students will need to get roughly 65 percent of questions correct in order to be considered proficient.
Due to the changes in the cut score you will see an initial decline in the number of our students reported as “proficient” on the state assessment program. It does not mean our students are not making academic gains. We are confident this change will be temporary due to ongoing school improvement efforts, exciting shift in methodology, support for struggling students, and curriculum.
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Facts about Michigan's New "Cut Scores (Printable Version )
What does "proficient" mean?
Students who meet or exceed standards on the MEAP and MME meet Michigan's definition of proficient.
What does "college and career readiness" mean?
The term "college readiness" indicates a student is ready to succeed in first-semester, credit-bearing college courses.
The term "career readiness" indicates a student is ready to succeed in introductory technical career training courses.
Remember- Being “career & college ready” is a complex issue that can not be captured in a few test scores
What are MEAP and MME "cut scores"?
Cut scores (or cutoff scores) separate test takers into various categories, such as advanced, proficient, partially proficient and not proficient. MEAP and MME cut scores and categories are determined by the Michigan Department of Education and approved by the Michigan State Board of Education.
Why is Michigan changing the MEAP and MME cut scores?
Michigan's previous cut scores for these state tests were set at a very basic level. Raising the cut scores will give Michigan parents and students a much better sense of whether students are adequately prepared for the next step in their education and a future career in a global economy. Michigan is one of only three states in the nation (along with New York and Tennessee) to move to this top tier level of test scoring.
How do the new scores compare to last year's scores?
The new cut scores represent a significantly higher standard for student achievement and are intended to more accurately reflect whether students are on track and prepared for college and careers. On some tests, students previously could have answered as few as 40 percent of the questions correctly to be considered proficient. Under the new scoring system, students will have to correctly answer a much higher percentage of questions. While we anticipate an initial decline in the number of students reported as "proficient," we are confident this change will be temporary due to ongoing school improvement efforts and student support.
Should parents be concerned if their child's proficiency level drops?
Parents may notice their child is not at the same proficiency level as previous years. A lower score does not mean that a child isn't gaining academic skills or is falling behind, but it is a reflection of higher standards. If a child does not score at or above the proficient level on any of the assessments, this is an indication that, on the day of the test, the child had not yet mastered the skills or knowledge expected for his or her grade level. Many students might require additional help and/or time to master these skills. Actually, by the time parents and the school receive the results from the state, many students may have increased their skills. Parents may wish to talk to their child's teacher(s) about the results and the resources that can help ensure his or her success.
Where can more information about MEAP and MME be found? For more information and parent resources: Michigan Department of Education
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