A Comparison of the Michigan Educational Assessment Program Mathematics and Reading Test Scores at the Edison Charter, Prototype, and Traditional Public Elementary Schools, in the Flint Community Schools District

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine what effect the three different types of elementary schools in the Flint Community Schools District had on student academic achievment. Specifically, what effect did the two Edison Charter, five prototype, and 27 traditional public schools have on the progress of fourth graders attending 34 elementary schools in the Flint District during the years of 1997-2000? <p>The two Edison Charter Schools are involved in a partnership between the Flint Community Schools District and the Edison School Private Management Company. The five prototype schools were selected to implement new and different ways of organizing and delivering instruction to the learner, which is called for in the District’s vision. The traditional public schools are the 27 remaining elementary schools in the Flint District. <p>First, the percentage of fourth graders scoring satisfactory on the MEAP tests, in each of the three school types was examined. Next, schools that had 50% or more of their fourth graders receiving a satisfactory score were determined. Finally, evaluating whether adequate yearly progress was met for each of the schools, from 1997-2000, was completed (Michigan Department of Education Website, 2000). <p>n The Edison Charter Schools, MEAP test scores indicated that student academic achievement did not improve, and that a decrease in student progress resulted in both mathematics and reading. <p>The prototype schools improved in mathematics, but a decrease in student progress was noted in the reading area. The findings indicated that the traditional public schools improved student academic achievement in both the MEAP mathematics and reading areas.