MEAP TESTING: Get your children ready to perform well on the tests!

Michigan Educational Assessment Program testing is starting this week for grades three, four, five, six, seven, eight and nine. The MEAP is a standardized test used in all Michigan public schools, first given in 1970.

In third, fourth and fifth grades, the pupils are given tests in mathematics and reading. In fifth through eighth grades, children are tested in math, science and reading. Sixth graders are tested in reading, math and social studies. Students in the ninth grade are tested only in social studies.

The MEAP is not just a fill-in-the-bubble test. It includes multiple-choice questions and short and long essays. Scoring is given in levels, rather than percentages, and ranked in categories like proficient, novice and not yet novice.

In Taylor, the MEAP reading tests will be given tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 8) and Wednesday (Oct. 9) in reading for third through eighth graders. Sessions 1 of writing tests will be given Thursday (Oct. 10) in fourth and seventh grades.

The testing will continue on Oct. 15-16. Math testing will be given to grades three through eight on Oct. 15. Session 2 of writing for grades four and seven will be given on Oct. 16, while fifth and eighth graders will be tested that same day in science and grades six and nine will be tested that same day in social studies.

There are plenty of ways to prepare your child to perform at his or her best. Make sure your child gets enough sleep. Children of this ages need about 10 hours of sleep a night. Make sure that your child is well rested on all school days – and especially the day of a test.

Children who are tired are less able to pay attention in class or to handle the demands of a test.

In addition, give your child a well-rounded diet. A healthy body leads to a healthy, active mind. Please feed your child a good breakfast. The Taylor School District provides breakfast (which may be reduced or free). Make sure your child is not hungry. High protein meals are recommended.

Testing goes on ALL DAY! Get your child to school on time each day. Avoid scheduling medical, dental or other appointments on MEAP testing days.  Research shows students do better when tested with their class than in a make-up session.

Students who are late to school on test dates will not be admitted into the tests.

For more on the MEAP, click here to go directly to the Michigan Department of Education website.