By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Cassopolis Vigilant
CASSOPOLIS -- The Cassopolis Schools are bringing some accountability to the students taking the Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP) test by phasing in a new graduation requirement which will affect the incoming juniors, but not the class of 2004.
If as an incoming junior the student has not passed the math and reading portions of the MEAP test with a 1, 2, or 3, which are the basic, state standard and above the state standard, they will be required to enroll in a core course and earn at least a C, unless exempt for other reasons.
Presently, those who are interested in receiving a MEAP scholarship know they need a 1 or 2 score, but otherwise many students just don't care. Low scores hurt the school's standing in the state.
If this requirement had been in place, 26 percent of the students would have been affected as they received a level 4 in either math or reading.
This change to be in effect for the 2004-2005 school year, Bob Herrera explained to the School Board members Monday evening, would help make the students accountable, even those not interested in the scholarship.
He expected only about $1,000 in materials would be needed for the course.
In other business the board: