ALPENA — Alpena Public Schools students outperformed students statewide in several grades and subjects, though sixth- and seventh-graders lagged behind, according to standardized test results released Wednesday.

M-STEP test results were released this week and school districts across the state are now able to see how students scored on those tests.

The M-STEP is an annual online test designed to gauge how well students have mastered state standards. The standards outline what state officials believe students should know and be able to do in order to be prepared to enter the workplace, career education training, and college.

Students in third through eighth grade tested in different subjects back in the spring. Grades three and six were tested in mathematics and English-Language Arts, grades four and seven were tested in math, ELA, and science, and grades fifth and eighth were tested in mathematics, ELA, and social studies.

The state did not release science scores because that test is undergoing revision and was being field-tested.

Students score in advanced, proficient, partially proficient, or nonproficient categories. Results released by the Michigan Department of Education showed Alpena students outperforming fellow Michiganders in several grades and subject areas, but strugging in early middle school grades.

Alpena Superintendent John VanWagoner could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.

For third-grade mathematics, the state is 72.1 percent partially proficient or better. Alpena Public Schools tested at 75.1 percent partially proficient or better.

The state is at 69 percent partially proficient or better for third-grade ELA, while Alpena is at 67.4 percent partially proficient or better.

Fourth-graders in the state tested at 75.2 percent partially proficient or better in math. Alpena fourth-graders tested at 75.1 percent partially proficient or better.

Fourth-graders in the state tested at 66.1 percent partially proficient or better for ELA. Alpena fourth-graders tested at 68.7 percent partially proficient or better.

For fifth-grade mathematics, the state is at 62.9 percent at least partially proficient, while Alpena is at 64.1 percent at least partially proficient.

In fifth-grade ELA, the state tested at 67.8 percent partially proficient or better, while Alpena tested at 66.6 percent partially proficient or better.

The state tested at 80.1 percent at least partially proficient for fifth-grade social studies. Alpena’s results for fifth grade social studies were not available online.

For sixth-grade mathematics, the state tested at 65.5 percent at least partially proficient, while Alpena tested at 57.5 percent proficient.

Sixth-grade ELA is at 68.6 percent partially proficient or better for the state, while Alpena tested at 66 percent partially proficient or better.

Seventh-grade mathematics tested at 63.7 percent at least partially proficient for the state. Alpena tested at 60.7 percent at least partially proficient.

The state tested at 70.7 percent partially proficient or better for seventh-grade ELA, while Alpena tested at 62.8 percent partially proficient or better.

For eighth-grade mathematics, the state tested at 59 percent partially proficient or better and Alpena tested at 65.7 percent partially proficient or better.

Eighth-graders in the state tested at 70.3 percent at least partially proficient for English-Language Arts. Alpena eighth-graders tested at 82.4 percent at least partially proficient.

For eighth-grade social studies, the state tested at 69.1 percent at least proficient and Alpena eighth-graders tested at 76.9 percent at least partially proficient.

Julie Goldberg can be reached at jgoldberg@thealpenanews.com or 989-358-5688.

For a deeper look at statewide M-STEP results, see Page 5A.