By Sue Moore
Results of the Michigan Merit Exam/ACT test scores for the junior class in Schoolcraft were reviewed for their overall results in the county. Reading proficiency was 3rd, writing 8th, math 4th, science 3rd, and social studies 7th of the nine school systems in Kalamazoo County taking the test. The class scored substantially above the state average in all five of the tested areas.
All 82 juniors took the test, including 12 children with special needs, which is not always the case in other school districts, Superintendent Rusty Stitt remarked. They were also scored on college readiness in English with 71.6 percent deemed ready, scoring 3rd in the county standings. Likewise, in reading, 60.5 percent were determined college ready and 1st in the county. The only downside was a dip in writing expertise, going from 71 percent capability last year to 63 percent achievement for this junior class.
Board President Mike Rochholz said that in making gains, the district has to know what the ACT is expecting, and apply it to teaching in the classroom. The test is just an indicator, Dr. Stitt said. David Krum, long-time board member, said “we have done very well on the state test over the last 15 years for a school of our size. We need to keep building on this success.”
Jeanette Marshall, another board member, warned that “what we do with the data to fine-tune our efforts and then make sense of it, will be important.”
For the third year in a row, Schoolcraft Schools has a new band director who was introduced to the board at the meeting. Paul Stanton comes from the Colon school district where he was the band director. He is a Western Michigan University graduate and Grand Valley State University adjunct professor.