The bill amends the State School Aid Act of 1979, specifically section 104b, to update the requirements for the Michigan merit examination administered to high school students. It mandates that districts must administer the examination to 11th graders and 12th graders who did not take it in 11th grade, which includes a college entrance test, a work skills test, and the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP). Notably, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, students will have the option to waive the work skills test through a process that requires parental consent and submission to the school district. The bill also emphasizes the importance of providing detailed performance reports to parents and teachers, ensuring that the examination meets quality management standards, and includes specific deadlines for the assessment process.

Additionally, the bill introduces several insertions to enhance the examination process, such as requiring the Michigan merit examination to be based on state content standards and ensuring accommodations for students with disabilities. It also stipulates that the examination must be scored and results returned to students and their guardians by the start of the 12th grade. The legislation aims to improve academic achievement and establish a statewide standard of competency, while also allowing nonpublic and home-schooled students to participate in the examination. The bill will only take effect if Senate Bill No. 349 is enacted into law.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (S-3): 388.1704
Senate Introduced Bill: 388.1704
As Passed by the Senate: 388.1704