It is a well-known fact to most Michiganders that the MEAP test is a major facet of education in our state.  The standardized test is taken by every Michigan student, and is meant to reflect not only their intelligence, but the abilities of the schools’ faculties to teach the students.  One writer for the Lansing State Journal, however, believes there is another factor:

It is my opinion that passing scores reflect the values of families who provide a safe and stable home life where children can grow and flourish, and are therefore prepared to learn what is being taught.

Conversely, the problem of failing scores is generally not solely a problem with the school, but is a problem with the family life of some of the children where barriers to learning are put in the child’s path as the schools endeavor to educate them.

While I have to agree with Ms. Vander-Molen that family life undoubtedly can make or break a student’s future, I can’t say that I completely concede to the idea that it is the driving force.  I’ve known many a student that has a stable home environment and couldn’t give two hoots about doing well in school, let alone a standardized test that doesn’t count towards their immediate grades anyhow.  On the flip side, I was also friends with students in high school that had rather tumultuous home lives that were great students.  One of my good friends was a teenaged mother who didn’t get along with either of her parents, and she made the top twenty in our class.

 I have to give Vander-Molen credit; it is nice to see that not everyone blames the teachers for not preparing the students “correctly” for the MEAP.  But we do have to take their role into consideration.  After all, it takes a village to raise a child.

Barbara Vander-Molen
Lansing State Journal
February 11 2007
Complete Article