The bill amends the Michigan Public Instruction Act to establish requirements for the administration of the Michigan merit examination for pupils in grade 11 and those in grade 12 who did not take the exam in grade 11. The examination will include a college entrance test, an optional work skills test, and the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP). The Department of Technology, Management, and Budget is tasked with contracting providers to develop, supply, and score the examination, ensuring that it aligns with state content standards and includes components necessary for compliance with federal education laws. Additionally, the bill introduces a waiver process for pupils who may choose not to take the work skills test, which must be signed by a parent or guardian.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Michigan merit examination be administered during the last 12 weeks of the school year, with results returned to students and their guardians by the beginning of the first semester of grade 12. It also stipulates that the examination must be designed to assess grade-level content expectations and includes specific provisions for accommodations for students with disabilities. Notably, the bill requires the inclusion of questions related to genocide, including the Holocaust and the Armenian Genocide, in the social studies component of the examination. The act is set to take effect on June 30, 2026, and is intended to improve academic achievement and establish a statewide standard of competency in Michigan schools.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-2): 380.1279
Substitute (S-3): 380.1279
House Introduced Bill: 380.1279
As Passed by the House: 380.1279
As Passed by the Senate: 380.1279
House Concurred Bill: 380.1279
Public Act: 380.1279
House Enrolled Bill: 380.1279