If it appears these elementary and junior high MEAP pass rates are lower than usual, it is because the state has raised the bar. Students must answer more questions correctly in order to pass the tests, so fewer are passing. Compared to the state average, however, Sanilac County students are still learning more for the most part. M=math. R=reading. W=writing. S=science. SS =social studies. Shaded results are equal or better than the state average. Pass rates for MEAP test scores for grades three through nine may be lower than previous years, because the state raised the bar.

But county students are still scoring higher than the state average, and for the most part have improved over last year on the all-important math and reading tests.

The state raised the bar for this year's tests, requiring students to get more answers correct in order to qualify as advanced, proficient, and partially proficient.

The federal No Child Left Behind law requires that every student in grades three through eight be tested in English language and math every year, although there are tests with modified achievement standards for some special education students.

"The primary reason for raising the cut scores is to give students, parents, and teachers a more realistic view of the students' progress moving towards being ready for either college or a career," stated Nick Miu, Sanilac Intermediate School District General Education Consultant.

When comparing county averages with the state average, local students tested better in math and reading at every grade level but eighth grade math, and were only four percentage points lower.

The most important question, however, is are county students achieving more?

Miu said when comparing the county's average scores with the cut scores implemented on the 2010 results, most grade levels did see an improvement.

"Reading scores improved in all grades, with the exception of seventh grade, where there was a loss of about four percent," said Miu.

"However, in grade six, reading scores improved more than nine percent. A similar pattern is found when looking at math scores. All grades improved with the exception of eighth grade, which showed a drop of four percent. Again, in sixth grade math, scores jumped nine percent."

Average social study scores improved about seven percent in grade six, but dropped by almost four percent in grade nine.

Writing scores dropped about six percent in grade four, and remained the same in grade seven, the only two grades in which students are tested on writing.

The county average did not improve in science, which is only tested in two grades. Science scores dropped in the fifth and eighth grades, with a decline of four and two percent, respectively, Miu reported.

Individual schools generally fared well.

"I am really pleased with fourth and seventh grade writing," said Sandusky Superintendent Mike Carmean.

"Our writing goals were to increase our scores, and while the state average is down, ours increased. It increased significantly in the seventh grade. It was also true in social studies. The state decreased, and our scores in both areas increased."

He said, "We are implementing a new science curriculum this year and expect to improve next year."

Carmean added, "Out of the 12 different levels in reading and math, in 10 we followed the state pattern... when the state showed a decrease we showed a decrease. In areas where they showed an increase, we showed an increase."

"We showed growth in almost every subject area from tracking last year's students from one year to the next, and one stayed the same," said Brown City Superintendent Jerry Steigerwald.

"In third and fourth grade in most areas we held our own, and the fifth grade was a little bit lower in reading, math and science," stated Carsonville- Port Sanilac Superintendent Ann Binienda.

"Junior high is where we did not do well at all...These kids struggle, but that is no excuse. We have already planned strategies...one on one tutoring, help them out, sometimes just organizing, making sure they get their homework done," Binienda said.

To check your school's progress from year to year, go to www.mischooldata.org where the Michigan Department of Education has posted MEAP information for all schools.

Schools have been adjusting their curriculums to align with the MEAP tests. However, the state keeps moving the goal posts.

In 2014-2015 the department of education intends to implement a national test now being written by the Smarter Balanced Testing Consortium. This test will compare all students in the same grade with those across the country.