Students in Rochester Community Schools once again showed a higher level of proficiency in every subject at grade level than students statewide, according to the 2012 MEAP results released Monday by the Michigan Department of Education.

In several grades and subjects, the percentage of student proficiency in Rochester was almost twice that of students across Michigan.

See: A School-By-School Look at 2012 MEAP Results in Rochester.  

In addition, Rochester's MEAP results show a districtwide improvement in math and writing; in reading, students in most grades improved over last year. Results also show:

• In Rochester, fifth-grade science proficiency declined from 2011 to 2012; in eighth-grade, science proficiency improved by .8 percentage points. 
• Also declining in the district: proficiency in social studies for grades six  (-0.9 percent) and nine (-5.9 percent).
• Meanwhile, across Michigan social studies proficiency saw a gain of 2.0 percent in grade six and a slight decline of proficiency in grade nine (-0.1).
• Also in Michigan, science assessments saw a decline of 2.2 percent in grade five and a 0.6 percent drop in grade eight.

The once-a-year Michigan Educational Assessment Program tests are based on career- and college-ready standards and are the only statewide measure of what students know and are able to do in grades three through nine. 

State Superintendent Mike Flanagan praised the progress students showed in most subjects.

“These gains demonstrate Michigan’s teachers and students are rising to the challenge of the rigorous standards established last year,” said Flanagan in a statement. “I am encouraged by the progress we are making in Michigan and look forward to the continued efforts to help all students achieve at a higher level in all subjects.”

The MEAP test as a measure of student proficiency is, however, on its way out. Beginning in the 2014-15 school year, a new test will be given in Rochester and across the state. (Read Just the Facts: New Test to Replace MEAP.)

“The good news is that most student groups have made substantial progress in mathematics, and, in reading their progress has actually narrowed achievement gaps,” said Flanagan. “I have confidence that our highly skilled teachers will be able to use this and other data to develop strategies and interventions to help all students, in all subjects, succeed.”

Here's a look at the percent of students who have met or exceeded state standards in MEAP subjects in Rochester and across Michigan. To see specific school data, search this database on Patch.

MEAP reading 

Here's a look, grade by grade, at the percentage of students testing proficient or advanced in the reading portion of the test.

MEAP math 

Here's a look, grade by grade, at the percentage of students testing proficient or advanced in the math portion of the test.

MEAP writing 

Here's a look, grade by grade, at the percentage of students testing proficient or advanced in the writing portion of the test.

MEAP science 

Here's a look, grade by grade, at the percentage of students testing proficient or advanced in the science portion of the test.

MEAP social studies 

Here's a look, grade by grade, at the percentage of students testing proficient or advanced in the social studies portion of the test.

Source: Michigan Department of Education