The bill amends the Michigan Revised School Code to update the requirements for the Michigan merit examination administered to high school students. It mandates that the examination be given to 11th graders and to 12th graders who did not complete it in 11th grade. The examination will now include a college entrance test, a 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 various assessment components such as English language arts, mathematics, reading, science, and social studies.

Additionally, the bill introduces several provisions to enhance the examination process, including requirements for individual reports for students and their guardians, adherence to quality management standards for contractors, and specific deadlines for the assessment process. It also allows for accommodations for students with disabilities and stipulates that the examination must be based on grade-level content expectations. The bill further clarifies the administration of the examination for students in nonpublic or home schools and includes provisions for middle college programs. Overall, the amendments aim to improve the assessment's effectiveness and ensure it meets educational standards while providing meaningful feedback to students and educators.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 380.1279