Michigan Senate Bill SB0350

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/4/25
• Refer: 6/4/25
• Report Pass: 6/18/25
• Refer: 6/18/25
• Report Pass: 6/26/25
• Engrossed: 8/13/25
• Refer: 8/13/25

Caption

Education: examinations; funding for schools that opt out of the WorkKeys examination; allow. Amends sec. 104b of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1704b).

Impact

The implementation of SB 350 is projected to have a significant effect on education funding and assessment practices across Michigan. By making the Michigan merit examination a compulsory assessment tool for school districts, the bill aims to create uniformity in educational standards and outcomes. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of workforce readiness by including components that could help employers evaluate student skills. This alignment with workforce needs is expected to improve educational relevance and better prepare students for post-secondary opportunities.

Summary

Senate Bill 350 seeks to amend the 'State School Aid Act of 1979' to establish requirements regarding the administration of the Michigan merit examination for students in grades 11 and 12. Specifically, the bill mandates that school districts must administer this examination to all eligible pupils, which includes a college entrance test, a work skills assessment, and the Michigan student test of educational progress (M-STEP). Furthermore, starting with the 2025-2026 school year, students will have the option to opt-out of certain tests under specific conditions, which includes a waiver process facilitated by the department of technology, management, and budget.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB 350 appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters, who argue that it promotes accountability within the education system and ensures that students are adequately prepared for both higher education and the job market. However, concerns have been raised regarding the pressure that standardized testing may place on students and teachers, with critics arguing that it could detract from a more holistic educational approach. The debate over this balance highlights the challenges of meeting diverse educational needs while maintaining standardized measures.

Contention

Key points of contention related to SB 350 center on the implications of mandatory testing and its potential consequences for students who may not thrive under standardized assessments. Opponents are particularly concerned about accessibility and equity, especially for disadvantaged pupils who may not have the resources to succeed in such testing environments. Additionally, the decision to allow students to opt-out under certain circumstances has sparked discussions about the integrity and value of standardized measures in assessing educational attainment.