MEAP Testing & Changes To Scoring

‘Tis the Season . . .for MEAP Testing.  Yes, probably many of you have had children coming home complaining about the hundreds of “bubbles” they need to fill in on the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP), a standardized school test for third through ninth grade students in public schools.   Soon the scores that have been used for years to evaluate a student’s/district’s success will be changed and the bar raised for better test scores reflected in the MEAP tests that students took earlier this month.

To give you a little background, MEAP tests were first administered during the 1969-70 school year for the purpose of determining, at various points in a student’s career, their progress compared to standards set by the State Board of Education.  These standards still exist and are evaluated yearly to see where schools and districts stack up against the rest of the state.  The tests assess students’ progress toward the achievement of the prior school year’s Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCEs).

MEAP tests are developed in order to meet the requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind legislation. Michigan specific legislation is addressed as tests are developed and results are reported to schools.  The tests provide a common denominator within the state to measure how students are achieving on the same skills and knowledge. These tests have shown to be sound, reliable, and valid measures of academic achievement.

1. Evaluate how students’ achievement has improved over time.
2. Assess how policy and curriculum changes affect student learning.
3. Target students for unique learning opportunities or special help.

Federal law, No Child Left Behind, requires testing in reading and mathematics (3rd – 8th grades) each year.  In Michigan, science (5th and 8th grades), social studies (6th and 9th grades), and writing (4th and 7th grades) are assessed every three years.  MEAP test results are reported at different levels and are intended for different audiences.  In December, results will be shared with teachers so planning for student instruction can proceed.

New this year is that the State Board of Education (SBE) has approved a proposal to realign test cut scores to ensure that all Michigan students are career- and college-ready. Results of the cut score study will be reported to the SBE in September. The new cut scores were established to ensure parents, students, and teachers are well informed about where students stand in terms of achieving success at the next level (the next grade, college, or technical career training). The new cut scores are being implemented now because students have had the full benefit of the rigorous Michigan Merit Curriculum for high school graduation and the updated Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCEs).

New cut scores were established for grades 3-8 in mathematics and reading, grades 5 and 8 for science, grades 6 and 9 for social studies. Cut scores for the Michigan Merit Exam (grade 11) were changed in mathematics, reading, science, and social studies as well. Writing cut-scores were not changed because the new MEAP writing cut scores established in February 2011 were determined to represent on-track to career and college readiness and the MME writing cut score is already similar to the ACT writing college-ready benchmark.

The recommendations of new cut scores were established through an intensive collaborative research study conducted by ACT, the National Center for Educational Achievement (NCEA) and the BAA Measurement Research and Psychometric unit with significant contributions from the BAA Technical Advisory Committee, Michigan’s institutes of higher education, and others. The cut scores were officially established in September 2011 when the State Board of Education adopted the new cut score recommendations.

The bottom line for parents is that the new cut scores represent student achievement relative to being on-track to career- and college-readiness, whereas the previous cut scores represented a more basic level of achievement needed for the old manufacturing economy.  As a result, the cut scores recently adopted by the MDE are noticeably higher than the previous ones, and parents will notice that next year their student’s scores will reflect this change.

Certainly, as the new scores are higher than the previously established performance standards, we expect to see a significant drop in state-wide proficiency rates.  This will result in lower proficiency rates at the local level as well.  The Michigan Department of Education has applied to the United States Department of Education for a waiver from the 100% student proficiency target.  Parents should take these test results in stride.  These tests are on a much more advanced level than the level currently used by our staff, but we’re confident, as the years go on, our students will be proficient in the subjects they are being tested on.

As always, I remind you that the mission of the district is to “provide a supportive and challenging learning environment where every student is prepared to succeed in a global community”.  Changes to these test scores will be difficult for students and parents at first, but as a district we will make every effort to ensure our students succeed.

Dr. Tina Kerr is the Superintendent of Coldwater Community Schools and can be reached by email at tkerr@coldwaterschools.org or by calling 517-279-5910. The main website for Coldwater Community Schools can be found at http://www.coldwaterschools.org

Showcase Of Summer Building Work And New Programming

The school year has officially begun, with a little over a week under our belt. I want to take this time to thank parents, students, and teachers for their patience and understanding as we continue to work on transportation issues.  As with any new process, there is a learning curve no matter how much planning and practice is done.  Please know that the safety of your children is top priority, and I have been directly involved in the problem solving process.

As the students entered their school last week, there were noticeable renovations at almost every school, due to the residents of Coldwater passing the Sinking Fund Millage last May. Legg Middle School received the largest renovation over the summer, including a new design for the hallway and lockers which have not been updated since the 1970’s.  Other projects at the middle school include repainting, handicap accessible bathrooms, new boiler, and carpet replacement; finally, the gym has been painted and floor refinished. Other schools received interior and exterior paint and new carpet.  We are grateful to the community for seeing the need to keep our school buildings safe and secure for the kids in our district.

All of these changes dramatically affect the way that our children learn. Although they seem minor, even things like paint color and room temperature make a difference in the learning process and we’re excited for you to see the much needed improvements.  Over the next several years, we have a plan in place to continue to remodel and make repairs to buildings with the money obtained from the Sinking Fund.  To see photos of the improvements, go to the Coldwater Community Schools Facebook page at www.facebook.com/coldwaterschools.

Also new this year to district students, because of grade leveling, is the addition of new electives for students, including foreign language for all students beginning in kindergarten. We have also added band for our fifth grade students at Lakeland. We are offering Spanish as our foreign language option. Students will be able to take this class throughout the school year. This is in addition to the other electives offered in the past: physical education, art, media technology, and music.

The grade-leveling format allows for advanced classes to be offered in fourth and fifth grade.  There will also be an emphasized focus on math and science for these grades, which is becoming necessary in our ever changing world.  I continue to feel confident about the impact the grade-leveling will have on our district, including increased test scores, smaller classrooms, and the sharing of resources among teachers.

As always, I remind you that the mission of the district is to “provide a supportive and challenging learning environment where every student is prepared to succeed in a global community”.  With changes to our curriculum and to our buildings, we are making improvements for the future of our community.

Dr. Tina Kerr is the Superintendent of Coldwater Community Schools and can be reached by email at tkerr@coldwaterschools.org or by calling 517-279-5910. The main website for Coldwater Community Schools can be found at http://www.coldwaterschools.org

New Programs Coming To Coldwater School Students

Welcome to a new school year! We’re excited for the 2011-2012 school year to begin. It’s been a productive summer with many school improvements – thanks to the community renewing the school millage in May. This allowed for necessary updates and renovations of many of our school buildings that were long overdue for repairs. You can see photos of the updates on the Coldwater Community Schools Facebook page, which is growing by leaps and bounds. Check the page often, along with the district website at www.coldwaterschools.org for updated information and news as the school year kicks off.

Also, this year brings new programs to the district for parents and students. In addition to the four-year-old program that the district currently offers, we are opening a new class this year for three-year-olds at Lincoln Elementary School. This program is a fun, activity-based learning environment with a morning session and the possibility of an afternoon session. To make it convenient for parents, bussing is also available for Coldwater residents. We’re also proud to have certified teachers in Early Childhood Education teaching this program. They are energized and ready to teach our youngest school community members.

Another new program is our before- and after-school care Latchkey Program for students who are in young five’s to fifth grade. This program, Kids Club!, is also located at Lincoln Elementary School. Parents can choose between care before school, after school or both with bussing provided to or from the school the child attends. Students will continue to learn with hands-on, fun activities to best accommodate parents schedules. The morning session starts at 6am, and the afternoon session ends at 6:30pm. More information can be found on the district website, or by calling 279-5910 before August 19th and 279-5975 on and after August 19th.

Both of these programs strive to promote educationally-based programming that encourages physical exercise, creativity, and social interaction. With grade-leveling changes for students in buildings, we think these new programs will help parents and students transition into a great school year. On that same note, thank you to parents, staff, and students for making adjustments in schedules, schools, and classrooms in order to make sure our students receive the best education possible. I continue to feel confident about the impact the grade-leveling will have on our district – including, but not limited to, improved test scores, smaller classrooms, and the sharing of resources among teachers.

The mission of the district is to “provide a supportive and challenging learning environment where every student is prepared to succeed in a global community”. I feel inspired by the start of a new school year, knowing how the changes and additions to our district will have a positive impact on our community and help our students far into their adulthood.

In the coming weeks, please remember that my office door is open, and I invite you to call me or set up an appointment with me if you have questions or concerns about the upcoming school year. I will also continue to write this monthly column for the Daily Reporter and our blog as an overall district-wide update concerning the education of our students.

Dr. Tina Kerr is the Superintendent of Coldwater Community Schools and can be reached by email at tkerr@coldwaterschools.org or by calling 517-279-5910.  The Coldwater Community Schools website can be found at www.coldwaterschools.org

New After-School And Before-School “Kids Club” Coming To Coldwater Schools

With so many cuts coming to our schools, we wanted to make you aware of a positive and fun program coming to the students enrolled in Coldwater Community Schools.  Starting in the fall of 2011, students in the district will be able to attend a before school or after school (or both) latchkey program at Lincoln School.   The mission of the program, named the “Kids Club”, is to create an activity-based social program that encourages physical exercise, creativity, and social interaction.

The Kids Club is designed for children from young-fives through 5^th grade who are enrolled in one of the district’s elementary schools.  The program will be staffed by qualified individuals who have experience and training in childhood development.  We will provide two sessions to accommodate parents who go to work early or have to stay at work late.  The morning session will be from 6am till the start of school, and the afternoon session will start immediately following the dismissal of school till 6:30pm.

Transportation from Lincoln School to the child’s elementary building in the morning, and from their school to the Kids Club in the afternoon will be provided.  Kids Club will also be open after school on early release days with a cost of $2.50 per hour.

Cost for the Kids Club is a one-time registration fee of $25 per child.  This fee will help finance this self-funding program to provide snacks and activity materials.  Pre-payment for the program is required and payment is based on the number of hours the child attends the program.  The cost ranges from $12.50 for up to 5 hours a week, to $62.50 for up to 25 hours a week.

Again, this is an exciting and new program that has never been provided to students at Coldwater Community Schools and during a tough economic time, we’re pleased that we can offer this option to help those parents who need to go to work early or stay late.  We hope that you and your family will take advantage of the Kids Club!

For more information about the program, please call 279-5910 ext. 246 or go to the district’s website www.coldwaterschools.org or www.facebook.com/coldwaterschools.

Dr. Tina Kerr is the Superintendent of Coldwater Community Schools and can be reached by email at tkerr@coldwaterschools.org or by calling 517-279-5910.  The Coldwater Community Schools website can be found at www.coldwaterschools.org

Cuts To Schools Don’t Cut It With Michigan Voters

NOTE: The following was submitted by Linda Wacyk, Director of Communications for the Michigan Association of School Administrators.  Read more, along with notes from the researchers that conducted the survey, at www.gomasa.org.

A statewide survey of 600 likely voters finds that Michigan voters strongly support protecting K-12 school funding and oppose efforts by Gov. Snyder to raid the School Aid Fund. In fact, voters indicated that K-12 school funding is the top funding priority for the state and is far more important than cutting taxes for businesses and corporations. “The proposal to cut schools doesn’t reflect the wishes of the people of Michigan,” said SOS Co-Chair Peter Spadafore. “Legislators should be aware that more than 40 percent of voters said they’d be less likely to vote for someone who is in favor of cuts to K-12 schools.”

Key findings from the survey include:

• More than two-thirds (67 percent) of respondents said education is the state’s top one or two services to protect, while 52 percent cited it as their top priority.
• A majority of voters think K-12 education funding should be increased.
• Eighty-eight percent of Michigan voters oppose cutting funding for K-12 schools.
• Voters aren’t convinced by the argument that Michigan’s constitution allows for the use of School Aid Funds to pay for higher education or that the “surplus” in the School Aid Fund should be used to close the General Fund deficit.

The proposal to cut schools is clearly out of step with Michigan voters. Their sentiments do not align with the governor’s proposal to cut funding by $470 per student and transfer $900 million to community colleges and universities.

“These responses show that Michigan voters have confidence that investing in education is the path to true reinvention of our state,” said Spadafore.

Education Funding in Michigan

Lately, a lot of attention has been given to Governor Snyder’s budget proposal. With a loss of 800,000 jobs, a 10.5% unemployment rate, declining home values, and a $1.4 billion state budget deficit, no one denies that Michigan’s economic picture is bleak.

Michigan has yet to recover from this economic downturn, causing Governor Snyder and the Michigan Legislature to seriously consider shifting $900 million that was previously dedicated to K-12 schools (by approval of a statewide ballot issue for K-12 schools in 1994 known as Proposal A) in order to support community colleges and universities. In addition to this funding shift, the Governor’s education budget will decrease $340 per pupil, or $1,058,000 in funding for Coldwater Community Schools. The Governor’s plan also does not take into consideration the state-mandated retirement system increase, which will cost $176 per pupil or the equivalent of $546,174 in funding for Coldwater Community Schools. All of these reductions, totaling in excess of $1,604,174, will have a significant impact on delivering educational services to the students of Coldwater.

We have made some tough and sometimes unpopular decisions to reduce our budget the past several years. We have privatized food services and custodial operations that resulted in an annual savings in excess of $450,000. We have hired employees through a third-party contract in order to save $39,000 by not paying benefits. We have also changed our self-funded insurance plan by increasing employee contributions, thereby saving the district $80,000 per year.

Should the above mentioned recommendations (shifting K-12 funding to support colleges and universities) from the Governor be adopted, Coldwater Community Schools will have to make deeper unprecedented cuts. I am very concerned that we can make the required cuts and still maintain our current level of services to students. Therefore, I hope that you take the time to analyze all aspects of the Governor’s plan and determine the impact it will have on you and your child’s education. Contact information for our governor, state senator, and state representative can be found here.

Thank you for your continued support of the Coldwater Community Schools.

Sincerely,
Dr. Tina Kerr, Superintendent

A Word Of Thanks From Dr. Tina Kerr

Dear Parents and Community Stakeholders,

We have all heard the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and that has never been a truer statement than it is today! Thanks to the support of the community of Coldwater, our School District will be able to address our facility needs for the next ten years. Your vote to renew the sinking fund will now bring almost $8 million dollars in needed improvements to Coldwater Community Schools. Now, all of our facilities will be inviting and safe for enhanced student learning.

As we put your dollars to work, we will be providing updates on our website so you can see the impact your vote has had on our district improvements. On behalf of the Board of Education, our staff, and myself, thank you for your support of Coldwater Community Schools! Together, we will continue to move Coldwater Community Schools from good to GREAT!

Sincerely,

Dr. Tina Kerr
Superintendent
Coldwater Community Schools