Statewide results from the first Merit Exam were released earlier this month and both Brandon and Goodrich school districts exceeded state requirements.
According to the Michigan Department of Education, the Merit Exam, which is mandatory for all high school juniors, replaces the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) used in years past. A state law dictated the change.
The MME is comprised of the ACT, a national college readiness assessment; WorkKeys, a national work skills assessment; and some additional test items that ‘cover Michigan curriculum standards? but are not part of any national test.
Students received a total score for the MME, as well as a score for their ACT.
Lorrie McMahon, executive director for curriculum instructional services and accountability for Brandon Schools, was pleased the scores are above both county and state averages.
‘We did well overall,? said McMahon. ‘It was the first year for this test. We’ll strive for constant improvement over the next few years rather than target numbers.?