The bill amends the Revised School Code to update the administration and components of the Michigan merit examination for high school students. It mandates that school districts and public school academies administer the examination to 11th graders and 12th graders who missed it in 11th grade. The examination will include assessments in English language arts, mathematics, reading, science, and social studies, with a writing component and a workforce readiness assessment. Notably, starting in the 2025-2026 school year, students will have the option to waive the workforce readiness test through a process involving their parents or legal guardians. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of providing timely feedback on student performance to parents or guardians and teachers.

The bill also introduces several requirements for the Michigan merit examination, including ensuring that contractors meet quality management standards and that the examination is designed to be as brief as possible while maintaining reliability. It specifies that the results must be reported to students and their guardians by the beginning of the first semester of 12th grade. Furthermore, it mandates that the examination includes questions related to genocide, specifically the Holocaust and the Armenian Genocide, as part of the social studies component. The bill aims to enhance academic achievement and establish a statewide standard of competency while promoting alignment with Michigan's curriculum standards.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (S-3): 380.1279
Senate Introduced Bill: 380.1279
As Passed by the Senate: 380.1279