Experience the Denis Rodman Activity the Art of the Metaphoric Speech. Explore the MEAP tab and review the MEAP rubrics for Writing. Explore the MME tab and review the ACT Writing Rubrics.

Reflect on the similarities and differences between the writing expectations on the MEAP and MME.

4/8/2011 01:23:18 am

There are several similarities between the writing expectation on the MEAP and the MME. Both the MEAP and the MME rubrics have points awarded for language and organization. Under these headings on both rubrics there is an emphasis on having a logical organization to their writing. Along with a focus on language and having a command of language. There is also a section on both for correct grammar and mechanics usage.
There are also some distinct differences between the MEAP and the MME rubric. The first being that the MME rubric has points awarded for complexity and position the writer has taken. The MEAP, however, has points awarded for style. The MME rubric has more of an emphasis on the complexity of the writing and showing a clear understanding of the issue that is to be written about. Both the MEAP and the MME require examples to be added in the students writing. The MEAP rubric also mentions the writer's audience. Lastly, the MME rubric is worth 6 points while the MEAP rubric is worth 3 points.

Reply
J Hackett
5/7/2011 12:09:24 pm

The difference between the two assessment is the scoring rubric. The MME's response will be scored by two scorers using a six-point holistic rubric for persuasive writing combining the scores for a total. If there if a huge discrepancy a third evaluator will be used. The response will be evaluated upon the degree that the issue was understood and presented. It is also evaluated upon organization, variety of language usage and mechanics. Finally, assessed was did the paper stay on topic? Prompts are designed to reflect students’ interests and experiences. They will not be penalized for the position they take. The Meap's rubric is based upon a scoring of 0 to 3. The students may obtain a zero is its illegible, blank, insufficient information or written in another language besides English. The components for this assessment include the organization, logical flow of thoughts and, use of standard English,: capitalization, spelling, capitalization. The rubrics are different yet if a student is use to self or peer editing using a rubric this would not be a hindrance on the assessments. I know that at the high school the students often forgot to include one component of the SS writing prompt which adversely affected their score. It was nice to have administered the MME at the high school level because I then knew what the students had to master at the middle school in order to be successful. Students need to be given opportunities to be able to write and self edit papers to make sure that all the components required on the assessment have been addressed. The MME desires that the student take a stance on a position and provide supporting facts.
They are both looking at the students ability to write and express themselves in print. They both address how the student is able to express his thoughts onto paper looking at mechanics, organization, focus and examples with details.


Reply
marah Brandimarte
5/12/2011 01:46:17 am

As I looked over the MEAP and MME/ACT rubrics I noticed some similarities and differences. One of the similarities is, they both used a point system to evaluate each writing sample. Each point value builds gradually on the last one. The score requirement of a "0" for both tests was exactly the same. Some differences I noticed was the MME/ACT rubric was much more extensive and detailed. The Point system for the MME/ACT was based on a 0-6 point system where the MEAP rubric was baesd on a 0-3 system.

Reply
trombleyl
5/15/2011 03:47:06 am

First of all I really enjoyed the contrasting Dennis Rodman stories. It shows how even if a reporter is just reporting the story the meaning can change with the words that are choosen. Both are not an editorials and yet they show a real bias in the writers perspective.

In comparing the MEAP and the MME/ACT both use a point system for scoring although the values are different. Both reward points for grammar and writing mechanics. In addition, students can receive points for language and organization.

They are different in that the MEAP is scored up to three points and the MME/ACT score can go as high as six points. Also, the MME is looking for more facts and a real understanding of the topic. The MEAP seems to reward for style and creativity.

Reply
Heinz
5/23/2011 11:13:43 pm

I’m finding several similarities and differences between the two tests. But it seems that the differences are the more interesting topic matter. With the MEAP being scored on 0-3 points, there really isn’t a way to garner a true understanding of the individuals writing ability. To steal a computer term, the resolution of the test (or detail) is rather primitive at best. In contrast the MME uses a 6 point scale, allowing for a greater resolution when attempting to glean insight into the individual’s ability.

Additionally, the two tests seem to make a difference in what they are grading. The MME seems to put a emphasis on the writer taking a side. This assumes that the writing prompt is crafted well enough to provide a clear cut black and white scenario. That is a rare achievement indeed. The MEAP seems to be satisfied that the writer is writing and staying to some form of a topic.

Reply
Szymanski
5/29/2011 08:24:41 am

The main part of the MME and MEAP is to show proficency in a given area. The problem is, they both ask for different things to perform in writing. They should be uniformed to make sure all students have an equal opportunity to perform at their best. As a writer on these tests, you have to be able to restate the question and develop a position at the same time. The grading scale should be changed to a percent rather than a number because it really has no meaning to me. When I took the MEAP back in high school, they just gave us a number and it said "proficient". How can we be motivated to do better without incentive? These tests have none. We as teachers have to create our own. Who knows where this test is going but some drastic changes are needed for its future success.

Reply
Erika
5/29/2011 09:23:42 pm

The big differences I'm seeing between the two rubrics are the point scales, and whether style is incorporated.
With the MEAP rubric, there are only four options as opposed to the MME's 6. This means that with the MME students will be divided into more finite groups giving a more "accurate" (and I use that word cautiously) score. Since MEAP scores have less categories, there is likely to be more variation within the groups. For example, you would see more variations between students receiving fours in writing on the MEAP than you would students receiving sixes on an MME scored test.
Style being left off the MME caught my eye. It almost seems like you could write a well organized, logical, grammatically correct essay that was incredibly dry and still receive a 6.

Reply
Sara Moroni
5/30/2011 02:13:17 am

After reading the comments posted above, I feel everyone has a valid point. However, I have to agree with Mike about the lack of student motivation involved when completing these standardized tests. It is very easy to get the younger population to buy into "trying your best" because that is what you should always do. The problem occurs as the students get older and "trying their best" really does not hold the same value as it once did. Okay, time to get off my soap box and answer the question.

The main diffference between the MEAP rubrics and the MME rubric is the amount of points awarded for each category. The most points that you can receive on the MEAP writing portion of the test is a 15. On the MME the highest amount of points that can be earned is a 24. If you were going to find a percentage using the rubric, the MME writer's would have a better chance of getting a higher percentage. Also, the MME writing is focused on a specific style of writing (persuasive essay) whereas the MEAP writing seems to focus on writing in a broader spectrum (narrative writing and informational writing). The MEAP really focuses on the ideas of the writer, giving them double the points for this aspect of their writing.

The MME and MEAP rubrics are very similar in the different characteristics that they are looking for within the writer's writing ability. Even though the MME has titled them differently then the MEAP characteristics, they are essentially still looking for the writer to incorporate the same elements in their writing. For example, position on the MME is really what the MEAP rubric is looking for in their ideas section. Complexity on the MME is really the writer's style on the MEAP. Lastly, language on the MME is correlates to the conventions section of the MEAP rubric. The MME is a lot more specific in the type of things that they want to see in student writing, the MEAP rubric seems to try to be more general in what they would like to see.

Reply
Ron Howery
5/31/2011 02:42:20 am


There are many similarities between the MME and MEAP writing expectations. Logical organization is a continuing factor as well as proper usage and command of the English language as it pertains to grammar and mechanics.

The MME awards points for complexity and if the writer has demonstrated taking a clear position. Points are also earned by conveying a clear understanding of the issue as it pertains to the writing prompt. In contract the MEAP writer is awarded points for style and for catering toward their audience.

Reply
Ron Howery
5/31/2011 02:44:06 am

OOPS. I forgot to log in.

There are many similarities between the MME and MEAP writing expectations. Logical organization is a continuing factor as well as proper usage and command of the English language as it pertains to grammar and mechanics.

The MME awards points for complexity and if the writer has demonstrated taking a clear position. Points are also earned by conveying a clear understanding of the issue as it pertains to the writing prompt. In contract the MEAP writer is awarded points for style and for catering toward their audience.

Reply
Jennifer De-Smet
5/31/2011 03:10:56 am

Both rubrics, for the MEAP and MME, award points for language and organization. Both award points for correct grammar/mechanics. Both require the writer to use examples to back up their statements.
The MEAP rubric uses a 3-point scale while the MME uses a 6-point scale. The MEAP awards points for Style while the MME awards points for complexity of writing and a clear understanding of the topic. It could be argued that Style and "Complexity of writing" are the same. The MME rubric appears to be a more extensive rubric. The MEAP rubric indicates the the MEAP is a tool for assessing writing in general while the MME rubric indicates the MME is a tool for assessing specific writing criteria because it is a more extnesive rubric.

Reply
Amber Baaso
5/31/2011 03:29:16 am

I am not sure why this module had the Dennis Rodman activity. However, as Larry said, I did enjoy seeing how the use of language changes the news story and I am going to use this in class. It seems that this should be part of Module 2 and the American Rhetoric Website.

Now, on to the MEAP and MME.
The similarities of the writing expectations on the MEAP and the MME are that both have a focus on use of language and logical organization. Also, both tests focus on correct grammar and mechanics usage. Obviously both test use a point system for scoring the test.
I really like what Szymanski said about the lack of meaning and motivation of that 0-3 or 0-6 number to a student. Parents and students have a hard time applying meaning to the number scored on a MEAP or MME test. Yes, they can see if they were proficient or not, but a percent would mean much more.
The main difference between the writing expectations on the MEAP and the MME are the amount of points awarded for the students' writing. Also, the MEAP awards points for the writer's ideas and staying on topic wheras the MME awards points for the complexity of the writing and having a clear understanding of the topic.

Reply
Martha T
5/31/2011 10:37:34 am

I agree with both Larry and Amber concerning the sample writing about Dennis Rodman. I also answered all questions and also did the cloze activity. Hope it is saved as I tried to do so and they were really great responses!

As everyone else has indicated in their comments, the glaring difference in the MME and MEAP writing rubrics are the points awarded. In addition to the scoring on both tests being totally subjective, the points awarded are basically meaningless to the student and parent as they are concerned with the score itself, not how it was arrived at.

Because of the differences in writing maturity of the MEAP and MME, the variance in points awarded for writer's ideas and staying on topic at the MEAP level seems to be a fair assessment given the instructional focus at that level. Complexity of writing and understanding of the topic seems to be a fair assessment at the MME level since the focus of writing is also changing.

Reply
Sheri
5/31/2011 01:15:47 pm

I enjoyed the Dennis Rodman activity as well - shows you two different responses.

As everyone has said, the main difference between the MEAP and MME writing rubric scores are the points awarded. I used to give the fourth grade writing MEAP and used the holistic writing rubrics for all of the students papers. We all had to get used to using these rubrics in order to get them prepared for the MEAP. The MME has the 6 point spread instead - which seems easier to understand. I agree with Mike on using percentages for students and parents - it would make it more uniform and comfortable to what they know. I also like that students take a position and then defend it. We have been practicing this in many Social Studies topics that we discuss. I think it gives students more "voice" in their writing, which usually leads to better and more interesting writing.

Reply
Bill Trachsel
6/1/2011 02:21:10 am

I have seen the video and I think it was clearly a heat butt.

I think the goal of any writing rubric should be to take the subjectivity out of the grading process. A good rubric should leave little doubt as to what score that writing piece should earn. The MEAP rubric gives point values for things like organization, ideas and style with double bonus points for ideas. Meaning that if a student stays clearly focused on the topic at hand they should do well. The problem with the MEAP rubric is that it has all these categories which means the ideas could be a 3 but the organization a 2, the style a 1 and conventions a 0. What kind of score does that writing piece receive? Is the scoring mathematical? Assuming double points for ideas (6) organization (2), style (1), conventions (0) add it all up and divide by four categories...you get a score of 2.25, rounded down of course to 2. Subjectivity eliminated!

The truth is, the writing piece needs to be graded as a whole. Does the author do what he or she has been asked to do? Does he or she do it effectively? Style is great, it makes the reading more interesting like sprinkles on ice cream. The MEAP rubric grades the sprinkles as as critically as the ice cream. The ACT rubric has some language about "varied word choice." But I get the feeling that ACT considers the whole writing piece without trying to melt the ice cream, count the sprinkles, and calculate the score based on the parts.

On a related note, we know very well what the MEAP is looking for. We focus so much on teaching the students to stay on topic and choose details that relate to that topic. I think we do an excellent job of shaping our students writing. Style is a writing gift. Some students have a good grasp of it, while others just try to put together a coherent paragraph. The wild card of it all is the topic that they are asked to write about. If you as a writer have no experience with what you are asked to write about, or don't have the ability to relate personal experiences to the topic you fall back on just completing the task at hand. Under pressure even the best students will often not remember to write a "stylistic" piece. Should we hold that against them?

I just reviewed the video. It does appear that Rodman merely "bumped" the official after all, my apologies.

Reply
Jaclyn
6/1/2011 01:43:38 pm

One of the tests mentioned seems to have students write with a persuasive purpose. The other tends to ask students to write using features suitable for a narrative and/or informational piece. Therefore, author’s purpose, word choice and voice is different pending the test being taken—Martha also pointed out that maturity (along with exposure to the topic, background knowledge, etc…) of the author has impact on the overall product and the successful outcome through the scoring process.

The Dennis Rodman activity does show how powerful an author’s presentation/communication of a given topic or scenario can be on a reader’s opinions and views, thereafter.

Also, as Sara and many others have already pointed out, the rubrics have different point values and with that in mind, students taking the MME have the opportunity to score a higher percentage and with passing score being that more points are available. Maybe I am wrong is saying this, but the more “problems” (or points) on an assignment the more “wiggle-room” for honest mistakes. When a small amount of opportunity is available (like the 3 point scale on MEAP) small mistakes could mathematically compromise the overall score.

Reply
Jennifer Wickersham
6/2/2011 01:15:21 am

I agree with Amber - don't quite see how the Dennis Rodman Actviity applies, even though it was interesting to see the same event described so differently.

The MEAP writing rubrics that I found (informational and narrative) focus on ideas, organization, style, and convention in a 3 point rubric (actually 4 with the zero). The rubric

I found for MME uses a 6 point scoring sale. I did not find clear topics like the MEAP rubric. But, from looking at it I can see that it scores based on taking a position and having an clear understanding and focus (MEAP - ideas), organization of their argument and ideas (MEAP - organization), and language use (MEAP – style).

The difference I can see is that conventions are not scored separately…more or less they are scored based on whether or not they interfere with understanding.

Regardless of the rubrics, there are a set of expectations that we can all use in our classrooms, regardless of content area.

Reply
Kevin Wickersham
6/2/2011 01:19:55 am

In looking at both the MEAP and MME, there is a set of expectations for each. While both use a rubric, the MEAP is a 3 point scale while the MME utilizes a 6 point scale. Both focus on writing ideas, organization, style, and for the most part conventions. The biggest difference to me is the complexity of expectations that increases as students take the MME. To me, that seems like a logical difference, as those students should be writing at a higher level.

Reply
Diane McLaughlin
6/2/2011 04:25:55 am

I think everyone has blogged valid points and fully agree with Mike and Sara about the lack of motivation of students affecting their scores. Aside from that, I see the main difference in scoring being the points awarded. I agree with others that although the scales are different they are also similar. Both focus on writing to the topic and give us some general guidelines as educators where to focus our instruction of writing in the classroom.

Reply
Daina Blackstone
6/22/2011 05:17:21 am

Well, I really liked the Dennis Rodman activity. I would have spent more time looking at the American Rhetoric website if I had read the Dennis Rodman activity first!

I think that the MME and the MEAP Rubrics are basically the same. Is one just more appropriate for assessing high school students? I;m not sure if high school students are taking the MME instead of the MEAP now. Things are always changing!

From what I have seen in my classes, I think that most students at Wolfe write at the 3 level. I think these kids are mostly concerned with filling up the paper. Their writing is repetitive, overuses writing tool phrases and lacks an interesting point of view. Its almost as if the students are bombarded with so many requirements for writing that they are not able to pull everything together.
Fortunately, the MME seems to be pretty straight forward in its expectations. It seems like the format for the writing is the same every year and the topics are very accessible. Hopefully, students can practice for this test and acheive higher scores.

Reply



Leave a Reply.