South Lyon Community Schools
In the Honors/PLUS program screening process, a variety of data points are evaluated to determine whether there is a need for the Language Arts Honors or Math PLUS programs. A matrix is used to analyze data in these areas. A committee of administrators from across the district reviews the individual matrix of each student who is screened. Qualified students are invited to join the program for the following year.
MATH:
NWEA scores are reviewed. Students are generally in the 85th percentile and higher for NWEA. Current grades and district assessments are usually A's or 95% or higher.
During winter testing, students are administered two above grade level tests, two of which were designed by Johns Hopkins University (the SCAT and the STEP). Students who are accepted into the PLUS program have both scores on the matrix. Additionally, these scores are not only on the matrix, but often on the extreme high end.
Students would also be accepted upon successfully “testing out” of the above grade level content standards. Students must earn a 78% or higher to move to the next level math course. This is consistent with the practice at the high school level for credit attainment.
ELA:
For language arts, NWEA scores are reviewed. Students are generally in the 85th percentile and higher for NWEA. Current grades and district assessments are usually A's or 95% or higher.
During winter testing, students are administered two above grade level tests, designed by Johns Hopkins University (the SCAT and the STEP). Students who are recommended for the PLUS program have scores on the matrix. Additionally, these scores are not only on the matrix, but often on the extreme high end.
Assessments Used for Plus Screening
The South Lyon School Testing Program includes:
- Grade 1 - 7 - South Lyon District Achievement Assessments (95% or higher)
- Grade 4 - 7 - Reading, Language and Math NWEA
- Grade 3 - 7 - ELA/Math M-STEP
For the purpose of screening for placement in the Academically Talented Programs, the following assessments may be used:
- Assessments from Johns Hopkins University, SCAT and STEP (85th percentile or higher)
- District-created above grade level assessments
Parents may nominate their child for screening. Please note that entering a child in the screening process does not mean parents are accepting placement in the Honors or Plus Programs or that all nominated students will be screened. The screening only identifies whether or not the child has a need for the program. Students who qualify for and whose parents accept placement in the program will attend their boundary school the following school year. Exceptions will be made for Centennial Middle School boundary students with a sibling currently attending Millennium Middle School . All students in Math 8 PLUS will attend Millennium Middle School for Geometry.
Testing for the 2023-2024 school year for current 5th grade students will begin in January 2023. Information will be emailed to all 5th grade families in November 2022.
Click to view the 6th grade language arts and mathematics testing timeline.
Students who are in 6th or 7th grades may also be nominated and screened for the following year’s 7th and 8th grade Language Arts Honors or 7th grade Math Plus classes. Data is collected, a preliminary review is conducted, and qualified students are then administered above grade level tests to determine if there is a need for the program. This screening takes place during January and February of each year, and more information will be sent in a Skylert message to all parents of 6th and 7th grade students in November 2022. 7th grade students wishing to be screened for 8th grade Math Plus may do so through our testing out process in June.
Students who move into the South Lyon district during the school year or during the summer are evaluated separately. The procedure varies depending upon when the student registers in the district and previous coursework taken by the student.
Students who are new to the district may be screened based upon prior academic experience. Placement in the program is dependent upon results of the screening. Students who move into the district during the school year will only be evaluated for placement if they are coming to us from an academically talented program in their prior district. Students moving to our district who did not attend an academically talented program in their previous district may be nominated for spring screening for the following school year.
The following data is considered when determining program placement:
- academic ability
- achievement
- classroom performance and the behavioral characteristics of learning, creativity, and motivation
Please direct all questions to the appropriate program administrators:
Plus Program: Ross Baker, MMS Assistant Principal & Plus Program Administrator
bakerr@slcs.us 248-573-8200
Screening Process: Melanie McCoy, Academically Talented Facilitator
mccoym@slcs.us 248-573-8200 x 2385