DETROIT (WWJ) – Dozens of Detroit Public Schools teachers are being laid off — and it’s happening during the important start of the crucial MEAP testing period.

WWJ’s City Beat Reporter Vickie Thomas reports that Detroit Federation of Teachers President Keith Johnson says the layoff of 87 teachers could not come at a worse time. Not only do the cuts come in the middle of MEAP testing, but the threshold here is much higher to pass the proficiency exam in reading, math and writing. In some cases, students must answer twice as many questions as last year to be considered proficient.

The layoffs take effect Friday. Testing runs this week and resumes Oct. 18 and 20 for third graders.

The district says the layoffs will not have any impact on the testing.