Les Cheneaux School Board Hears Updates on MEAP Testing

Les Cheneaux Community Schools staff will examine student Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP) scores to determine how they should adjust the curriculum to improve student success. Teachers were expected to review the scores Friday, April 25.

Les Cheneaux Elementary students scored well above the state and local average on nearly all the areas of the test, the school board learned April 21, while all but one set of Cedarville Middle School scores were below the state and local average. Cedarville High School freshmen scored well above average in social studies, the only category tested in that grade.

Middle school scores showed a puzzling trend in which scores were concentrated on either the high or low end, with few scores landing in the middle, Principal Randy Schaedig said.

"I've talked to principals across the Upper Peninsula, and they say they are seeing the same trends, and there seems to be a lot of apathy among middle school students," Mr. Schaedig said.

Asked if staff can identify a reason for lower scores, Mr. Schaedig said it really seems to depend on the particular class of students, and sometimes the subject. This year's eighth grade students, for example, scored 83 on the writing test, which is 13 points above the state average of 70; but eighth grade students in 2005 scored 57 on the writing test, which was below the state average of 65 that year.

"From class to class, we see a great deal of variation in the scores, and we don't know why," he said. "We are continuing to look at our curriculum and how it is delivered to bring these scores up for all students."

Cedarville High students were well represented in the Eastern Upper Peninsula Principal Awards, Mr. Schaedig told the board. Students must have a 3.3 grade point average and a score of at least 24 on the American College Test to qualify. Cedarville senior Emily Pieri was selected to give a student address to the 75 students and their principals at the April awards banquet, and it is the first time a student from Cedarville has been picked to give the address, he added.

During a humanities class trip to Chicago, led by teacher Alan Jacobus, students visited with Cedarville graduate Stephen Murray and saw Hessel summer cottager Mary Lou Hughes at a concert.

"It was a very worthwhile experience, and is hoped to be a trip the kids will remember for a long time," Mr. Jacobus said, complimenting the students' maturity and behavior on the trip.

Cedarville eighth grade students visited War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie for a career exploration day. The visit gave students early exposure to possible career paths at the hospital before they enter high school. The Great Lakes Boat Building School made presentations last week to high school students interested in pursuing a career in boat building or refinishing.

High school graduation is Sunday, May 25, and the last day of school is Tuesday, June 3.

Principal Eric Cardwell reported more than 95% participation in the elementary student-led conferences.

Kindergarten and sixth grade graduation will be Monday, June 2, at 9 a.m., and the elementary awards assembly will be the same day at 1 p.m.