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 to 12th graders who did not take it in 11th grade. The examination will include a college entrance test, a work skills test, and the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP). Notably, beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, students will have the option to waive the work skills test through a parental consent process. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of providing detailed performance reports to parents or legal guardians and teachers, ensuring that the examination meets quality management standards, and includes specific deadlines for the assessment process.

Furthermore, the bill outlines various components of the Michigan merit examination, including assessments in English language arts, mathematics, reading, science, and social studies, while ensuring alignment with state content standards. It also stipulates that accommodations must be provided for students with disabilities and allows nonpublic and home-schooled students to participate in the examination. The bill aims to enhance academic achievement and establish a statewide standard of competency, ultimately contributing to the improvement of Michigan schools' curriculum and instruction. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of Senate Bill No. 349 of the 103rd Legislature.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 388.1704