The Michigan Department of Education released results of the M-STEP exam last Tuesday, showing how Oxford students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 performed in English language arts, math, science and social studies.

English, Language Arts and Mathematics are assessed in grades 3-8, science in grade 4 and 7, and social studies in grades 5 and 8. Students in grade 11 also took M-STEP social studies and science assessments as part of the Michigan Merit Exam (MME).

This is the second year the state has administered the M-STEP (Michigan Student Test Educational Process), which replaced the 44-year-old Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP). The test is designed to gauge how well students are mastering state standards.

The M-STEP exam was administered in spring 2016.

At most levels, Oxford students made gains this spring in assessed proficiency over last year on the test.

“Overall, we’re very encouraged,” said Oxford Schools Superintendent Tim Throne. “Our results are heading in the right direction, we’re seeing improvement in multiple areas, at multiple grade levels. We, as a district, are trying to become our best… whether that’s as an employee or our students. No matter where we’re at, we’re always trying to become better. It’s always encouraging when you see that happen, as far as results on test scores go.”

Oxford students, grades 3 through 8, improved in math from 52.8 percent proficiency last year to 53 percent in math this spring– a 0.2 percent increase.

In English language arts, there was a district increase of 0.5 percent, from 59 percent last year to 59.5 percent this spring.

The Oxford district saw slight decreases in science proficiency, which saw a drop of 5.1 percent since last year, and in social studies, which dropped 1.4 percent on the test.

According to Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction Ken Weaver, district officials will focus on improving science proficiency in the coming year, as results showed student proficiency scores to be below the county average in the subject.

At the 11th grade level, M-STEP scores showed an increase in science proficiency scores of 4.3 percent since last year and a decrease of 0.25 in social studies.

Compared to state proficiency scores, Oxford Schools scored well above-average at all levels and in all subjects. At the eighth grade level, Oxford students’ proficiency ratings were scored at 43.2 percent, which is higher than the state average of 29.3 percent.

Statewide, 47% of students were proficient in English language arts in grades 3 through 8, while 37% were proficient in math. In science, just 24% were proficient, and 30% were proficient in social studies, according to the Michigan Department of Education.

Because Oxford has consistently surpassed M-STEP scores at a state-level, Weaver said district officials often compare Oxford test scores to schools in Oakland County, rather than to schools across the state.

“In most areas, Oxford Schools scored at or above what you would consider the Oakland County average for the district in all subject areas. That’s how we try to benchmark our averages against the county, rather than the state, because we’re above the state average in every category. We like to make sure we’re at least above the county average for the 28 districts to track our progress,” said Weaver.

According to Throne, M-STEP results, when combined with classroom work, report cards, local district assessments and other tools, offer a comprehensive view of student progress and achievement.

“In general, M-STEP scores are just one measure of our growth and it’s not the ‘end-all-be-all,’ but is it an important measure? Definitely. I’m really proud of, not only our students, but also our teachers that have put in the time to implement, new curriculums, new materials, new devices and even new books in order to improve,” said Throne.

To view district and building M-STEP results, visit www.mischooldata.org.