Buena Vista School District post disappointing MEAP scores - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

(02/12/13)- There are some very disappointing MEAP scores for one Mid-Michigan School District. Saginaw County's Buena Vista School District scores from Fall 2012 are not only below the state average and the lowest in the county, but also results were very low for eighth graders in particular.

The MEAP results were released by the state Monday. Results show none of Buena Vista's eighth graders were proficient in any of the subjects on the test. The MEAP test pinpoints third through eighth graders understanding of math, science, reading and writing, and ninth graders social studies skills. The district also received zero percent proficiency levels in 2011 on a number of MEAP exams. This year, sixth graders did post a 10 percent improvement in writing.

Buena Vista's Superintendent, Dr. Deborah Hunter-Harvill, says she is not happy with the results, and she is working to turn the numbers around. This is Dr. Harvill's first school year with the district - she started in August - and says she has implemented a number of initiatives to change the district's culture, to improve student performance and get all of the teachers on the same page, but she says it will take time.

"I would have loved for a special Halo to come across our district, it's coming, it's going to be there if we prepare this year."

The MEAP results also reflect Buena Vista's declining enrollment numbers. No more than 30 students took the test in each grade. And only 15 eighth graders were tested last fall. Saturday from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., administrators, parents and teachers will meet at Buena Vista High School to discuss ways to improve student learning.