Brandon Schools Superintendent Bart Jenniches is less than pleased with the recent delay in MEAP scores.
“It’s a real joke,” said Jenniches.
“I’m not sure if the data is correct or not—I don’t know if it’s going to be correct when it’s finally official. We’re on-line with the state department each day trying to sort this thing out.”
Jenniches is not alone.
School officials statewide are scambling following a “glitch,” in new software purchased by the State of Michigan to “enhance” recording of MEAP scores. As a result, more than 1.5 million scores from 600,000 students statewide have been labeled unofficial, including Brandon and Goodrich.
The new software was purchased from The Enterprises Computing Services, Inc at a cost of $1.6 million should make it possible to track students progress on the MEAP during their time in school. The testing programs includes bar codes on test booklets and a MEAP data base.
After taking the exams in January and the first of February, the scores should have been posted by April 1, however, due to a “snafoo” in the pre-identification process more than five months have passed and still no scores.
“The primary reason for the delay is a problem with the software which in the end will offer a better way to look at the scores, track scores, and analyze the data,” said Terry Stanton, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Treasury.
“I can’t say how extensive the problem is but we’re working with the contractors, the treasury, and the Department of Education to resolve this problem.”
The glitch stems from the software inability to link the pre-identified test book with the student and school, said Stanton.
Preliminary data was made available to many school districts, including Brandon and Goodrich on Aug. 22, and the school districts were asked to make corrections.
“Right now we’re putting these changes in place,” said Stanton. “The scores should be available later this month but we’re not ready to give a date.”
While rectifying the delay in MEAP scores has been addressed by the state—locally the glitch is becoming costly.“For most children and most schools, this delay in MEAP means nothing,” said Erine Bauer, Oakland County MEAP coordinator.
“However, each school district has spent thousands of man-hours trying to determine which student belongs to which score. All those hours could have been spent on other projects.”
Bauer added that delaying MEAP scores for grades fourth through eighth is the primary concern. If student tutoring is needed it may be halted. Also, if schools are not making adequate progress then administrators need to know.