Dear Parent/Guardian,
During the period of October 13-29, your child will be taking the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) test. Students in grades 3-8 will take a two-part Reading test and a Mathematics test; students in grades 4 and 7 will take a Writing test; students in grades 5 and 8 will also take a Science test, and students in grades 6 and 9 will take a Social Studies test. The state has scheduled specific dates for each subject area test and make-ups:
Subject Area Scheduled Date Make-up Date
Mathematics (Grades 3-8) October 20 October 21
Reading Session 1 (Grades 3-8) October 13 October 14, 19, 21
Reading Session 2 (Grades 3-8) October 15 October 19, 21
Writing (Grades 4 and 7) October 22 October 26
Science (Grades 5 and 8) October 22 October 26
Social Studies (Grades 6 and 9) October 22 October 26
General Make-up Sessions October 26-29
All students in these grades should take the tests. We are required by the federal “No Child Left Behind” legislation to give the test to all students, and individual schools are held accountable for full participation of their students. If you have concerns about a child with a disability or with limited English proficiency taking the test, please contact me to discuss available accommodations in the testing process.
Based on the state Grade Level Content Expectations, these tests reflect the knowledge and skills that will be important for students in today's world. Because the test is being given in the fall, it tests content covered in previous grades; for example, 3rd graders will be tested on content through the end of 2nd grade. The tests will help to identify those skills your child has learned and which skills may need strengthening. Here in the Ann Arbor Public Schools we use these results to help us improve the school program and work with individual students. In addition, the MEAP is used as the primary measure for state and federal accountability requirements. Additional information about the MEAP is available on the state website: www.michigan.gov/meap.
You can help your child do his/her best on the test by:
1) making sure that your child attends school on the days of testing;
2) making sure your child gets a good night's sleep before testing;
3) reminding your child to ask the teacher questions if she/he does not understand the test directions;
4) encouraging your child to do his/her best on the tests because the results will help him/her get a better education; and
5) letting your child know that you are confident in his/her ability to do his/her best.
Please call me or your child's teacher if you want additional information or have further questions or concerns about the tests.
Sincerely,
Kevin Karr
