What Kind of Tests are Given? The
MEAP tests, for the most part are untimed. Only the mental arithmetic portion of the
mathematics test and the writing tests are timed. Most test items are multiple-choice, but
include a few constructed-response items. Summary results are reported as the percent of
students scoring in each of the categories of achievement (see South Redford results).
These tests are administered to students in several sessions to avoid test fatigue.
Reading and Mathematics Tests
MEAP reading tests ask students to read
two selections similar to the kinds of reading they do in class. One selection is a story
presented as it would look in a reading or literature book. The other, an informational
selection, appears as it would in a science or social studies textbook. Students answer
questions designed to assess how well they understood the material. Performance on each
selection is reported as “Satisfactory,” “Moderate”, or
“Low.”
MEAP mathematics tests are designed to
assess mathematics knowledge necessary to live and work in a technological society. These
tests have a strong focus on mathematical problem-solving and higher-order thinking
skills. Performance on the MEAP mathematics tests is reported in the same three categories
as that for reading--“Satisfactory,” “Moderate”, or “Low.”
Science, Writing, and Social Studies Tests
The science tests cover physical, earth,
and life sciences. Students respond to four item types: cluster problems –
students read a problem based in a real world context and then respond to a series of
multiple choice questions and one open-ended question; text critique –
students read a short science passage from the popular press (newspaper, magazine) and
then respond to questions about the passage; investigation – students perform
an investigation and then respond to a series of independent multiple-choice items
that relate to the investigation. Performance on the MEAP science tests is reported as
“Proficient,” “Novice,” and “Not Yet Proficient.”
The writing tests incorporate writing
process activities: pre-writing or gather ideas, drafting or writing a first draft of a
paper, peer review, revising or improving the paper’s organization and content, and
proofreading and polishing the paper, correcting any spelling and grammar errors. The
final paper is then submitted for scoring. Performance on the MEAP writing tests is
reported as “Proficient,” “Novice,” and “Not Yet
Proficient.”
The social studies tests are designed to
measure knowledge and skills in relation to six of the seven areas in the state social
studies content standards. Students respond to three item types: selected response
– students read a passage, map, chart, or table and then respond to a series of
multiple-choice questions; constructed response – requires students to explain
a conclusion, provide examples, complete a chart, interpret information, or give a reason
for their answer; extended response – requires students to write more detailed
answers which include interpretations of data from an imaginary policy issue, identify a
relationship presented in the data section, take a position for or against a policy, and
give reasons supporting the position taken. Performance on the MEAP social studies tests
is reported as “Level 1 – Exceeded Michigan Standards,” “Level 2
– Met Michigan Standards,” “Level 1 – Basic Level,” and
“Level 4 – Apprentice.” |