The Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) tests used in the public schools are designed to judge each student’s results against set performance standards as outlined in the recommended state curriculum.  This annual report characterizes each student’s level of proficiency compared simply to the expectations established for that particular grade level.  The MEAP does not detail yearly student growth.  In comparison, Dutton Christian School has chosen to use the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills for annual standardized testing because the scores from this type of achievement battery help us determine skill areas of relative strength and weakness for individual students and grade levels and, just as importantly, calculate year-to-year growth.  ITBS information is kept on file, and the scores are analyzed and used as one significant factor in determining curricular improvements and changes.