c:\doc\web\98\02\maep.txt Date sent: Thu, 29 Jan 1998 08:43:03 -0500 To: joaneb001@aol.com From: "Kimberly A. Fuga" (by way of Fred Battey ) Subject: Michigan 5th Grade MEAP test Last week and for the next two weeks the fifth graders of the State of Michigan take their Science and Writing MEAP. I had a local Science teacher call and share the following: The fifth grade science test includes a section in which the child is tested about his/her fingerprints. The week prior (last week) to giving the test, the teacher had each child put his fingerprints into a "Fingerprint Investigative Journal." This journal would be used during the test however, it would not be included with the test when it was returned to the State. The teacher could do whatever he wished with the fingerprint journals. Parents were not told that their child was being fingerprinted for this test. Also the subject of our fifth grade writing meap was "Loss." Describe a loss you've experienced in your life. Just a note: Although the fingerprint method was primative, lead with some type of "scotch" tape type material, I can't help but believe that this particual time there may be nothing "sinister" about fingerprinting all Michigan fifth graders, however, it sure breaks down a child's natural instinct to protect their "personal" property. There is a reporter supposedly interested in the story, however, our difficulty is getting people to speak out for fear of it affecting their child. Thanks. Kim Fuga/PROBE/Michigan arthur - Please send this reply back to the loop - God I hate these test questions where they ask you something personal like "some adult you admire in your life" Right, like Chelsea Clinton is going to have just as good a topic as a kid in the projects whose idol is likely a dope dealer who's made a nice income for himself and his girls. New Standards sample book also has a question like this. Not as blatant as the CLAS test in Califronia, but this stuff should be banned. Everyone should have to write on the same topic.