Indeed, two years of the Covid-19 pandemic negatively affected student test scores, but Assistant Supt. for Instruction Theresa Fulk told the school board Monday that Wayland is rebounding.

Fulk said academic performance has improved to the point of being at “near pre-pandemic levels.”

Though seventh grade math scores are of concern, the district has been showing better scores in language arts, science, math and social studies.

However, Vice President Cinnamon Mellema pointed out that the social studies score for fourth-graders three years ago were down three years later, “statistically significant” in the seventh grade.

Social studies has been a huge problem across all Michigan schools after it was added recently to the M-Step test assessment program.

Fulk agreed with board member Pete Zondervan’s contention that sometimes M-Step leaves something to be desired when compared to the former Michigan Education Assessment program (MEAP).

However, the assistant supt. noted the efficiency scores for science have nearly doubled.

Supt. Tim Reeves said state officials have told him local districts need to look ahead, not back at the pandemic.

“We’ve had this drastic reset. It’s time to move forward now,” Reeves said.

M-Step data wasn’t consistent for the past two years because of the pandemic, he added.

Fulk told the school board the program to move forward will include the hiring of a new literacy coach at the elementary level and continuation of the K-6 everyday math and “mystery science” programs.