Schools

Results of Hartland MEAP Investigation Not Expected Until Mid-November

Target date for final report is Nov. 16, says statement Michigan Department of Education issued Friday.

A final report on a Michigan Department of Education (MDE) probe into MEAP test security at is now expected in mid-November, according to a MDE statement released Friday.

State and Hartland School District officials previously said the outcome could be available as early next week, but the statement said ongoing monitoring won't conclude until Nov. 2 — the last day to ship items. The last day for testing was Friday.

Alternate tests were given after the MDE when then-Principal Tracey Sahouri opened the exams too early and didn't secure them beyond locking them her office, according to school officials. The MDE also has been monitoring the tests.

Find out what's happening in Hartlandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Sahouri, who took an indefinite leave of absence from her post this week, also has been under fire recently for a misdemeanor ticket she received over the summer in which at her child's graduation party. She is and a trial is scheduled for Dec. 8.

School officials also have defended her handling of the exams and said no cheating occurred, although they welcomed the new test to ensure its validity.

Find out what's happening in Hartlandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Here is the complete MDE statement from spokesman Martin Ackley on when the final report should be issued:

"As part of the ongoing investigation, we will not have a final report until the end of the MEAP testing cycle. The end of the test cycle technically is Nov. 2, which is the last day to ship items (item shipments are also potentially part of ongoing monitoring).

"Following the testing cycle, our Bureau of Assessment and Accountability office will need about two weeks post-test cycle to allow for internal review before we can release a final report.

"MDE is looking to release the report around Nov. 16. We also need time to notify the school in advance."


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