LANSING (AP) - Michigan's elementary and middle school students have improved their reading scores on standardized tests, according to results released by state officials Friday.
Statewide reading scores for public school students improved at every grade level tested through the Michigan Educational Assessment Program, commonly known as MEAP. Math scores improved at lower grade levels but slipped for seventh- and eighth-graders. Science and social studies scores declined slightly.
Area superintendents said they were pleased with their districts' performances.
"We're really pleased," said Marquette Area Public Schools Superintendent Jon Hartwig. "We maintained very high proficiency in all areas."
West end districts also saw success in the scores.
"Overall as we look at the test results, we're above the state average in all areas," said Negaunee Public Schools Superintendent Jim Derocher. "It reflects on what is happening in the classroom."
The superintendents said a big part of successful MEAP scores is the interaction between the teachers and the students.
"The teachers have done an outstanding job in prepping them," Ishpeming Public Schools Superintendent Stephen Piereson said.
The test results are key for evaluating how well schools are doing compared to state and federal benchmarks. Results vary widely among Michigan's 550 school districts and more than 230 charter schools.
Ninety percent of Michigan third-graders statewide were proficient or better on the reading tests taken in the fall of 2009. The lowest scores were among seventh-graders, with 82 percent of students meeting or exceeding standards.
Math scores generally have improved over the past five years. The state said 95 percent of third-graders met or exceeded proficiency standards on the most recent tests. The poorest-performing level in 2009 was eighth grade, where 70 percent of students met standards - down from 75 percent a year ago.
The state said black and other minority students are doing better on tests and closing the achievement gap with white students. Economically disadvantaged students also are improving their scores in some subjects.
''These all are very positive trends - and our kids' academic achievements are significant to the success of our state as we continue to move forward to grow and diversify our state's economy,'' Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm said in a statement.