Education: examinations; opt-out option for the WorkKeys examination; provide for. Amends sec. 1279g of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1279g).
Impact
The introduction of this bill is designed to streamline the administration of high school assessments, ensuring that all students meet standardized educational benchmarks before graduation. It will also allow pupils to opt-out of specific workforce readiness assessment components through a waiver process, which would need parental approval. This shift aims to engage students who may not be pursuing college education, with a focus on relevant skills for the job market.
Summary
Senate Bill 0349 aims to amend the revised school code in Michigan, primarily focusing on the administration of the Michigan merit examination for high school students. This bill mandates school districts and public school academies to administer the Michigan merit examination to pupils in the 11th grade and to those in the 12th grade who did not complete the examination in the previous year. The proposed changes emphasize the importance of assessments in measuring academic competence across various subjects such as English language arts, mathematics, reading, and science.
Sentiment
General sentiment surrounding SB0349 appears mixed, with supporters advocating for the necessity of standardized testing to maintain educational integrity and academic standards, while opponents may view mandating assessments as an undue pressure on students. The waiver provision has been received with cautious optimism as it adds flexibility for students who may have different career pathways in mind.
Contention
Key points of contention related to SB0349 involve the balance between ensuring rigorous academic standards and accommodating diverse student needs. Critics may argue that high-pressure testing can be counterproductive, whereas supporters may affirm that standardized testing ensures accountability in education. The bill attempts to strike a compromise by providing options for exemptions while still requiring assessments that ensure readiness for either higher education or workforce opportunities.
Education: examinations; references to M-STEP to include a state-administered assessment system under section 104d of the state school aid act of 1979; modify. Amends secs. 502, 503, 522, 552 & 1279g of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.502 et seq.).
Education: examinations; pilot programs for a state-administered assessment system; create. Amends secs. 11, 104, 104b & 104c of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 et seq.) & adds sec. 104d.
Education: curriculum; alternative merit curriculum; provide for. Amends secs. 1278a & 1278b of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278a & 380.1278b) & adds sec. 1278e.
Education: graduation requirements; use of alternative education classes to meet graduation requirements; provide for. Amends secs. 1278a, 1278b & 1278c of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278a et seq.) & adds sec. 1278f.
Education: school districts; letter grade system for ranking public schools; eliminate. Amends secs. 392, 502, 503, 507, 522, 528, 552 & 561 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.392 et seq.) & repeals sec. 1280g of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1280g).
Education: examinations; pilot programs for a state-administered assessment system; create. Amends secs. 11, 104, 104b & 104c of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 et seq.) & adds sec. 104d. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4158'25
Education: examinations; pilot programs for a state-administered assessment system; create. Amends secs. 11, 104, 104b & 104c of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 et seq.) & adds sec. 104d.
Education: examinations; references to M-STEP to include a state-administered assessment system under section 104d of the state school aid act of 1979; modify. Amends secs. 502, 503, 522, 552 & 1279g of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.502 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4157'25
Education: examinations; references to M-STEP to include a state-administered assessment system under section 104d of the state school aid act of 1979; modify. Amends secs. 502, 503, 522, 552 & 1279g of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.502 et seq.).