Press Release |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Michael Switalski |
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2004-12-10 |
(517) 373-7315 |
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STATE SWITCHES MEAP TEST FOR A.C.T.Press Release |
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| LANSING – On the final day of session, the legislature passed a package of bills that will have the effect of replacing the high school Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) test with the American College Test (ACT). The legislation does not specify a replacement test for the MEAP, but the new test will almost certainly be the ACT and ACT skills exam. “We are delighted with this legislation,” said Sen. Switalski, (D-Roseville) and sponsor of one of the bills in the bipartisan five-bill package. “Not only does it provide schools administrative savings in administering the tests, but it will also mean savings to parents who have previously had to pay for their students to take college entrance exam tests.” The MEAP exams previously required five days of school time to administer, with schools waiting six months or more for results. Several Macomb County schools induced students to taking the MEAP with offers of pizza or extra days off. Replacement tests are only expected to require two days to administer. It is also widely acknowledged that no Michigan colleges use MEAP results in entrance considerations. According to Switalski, Illinois and Colorado, both of which have enacted similar legislation, have realized a 98 percent participation rate in college entrance exams. Both states have also experienced an increase in the number of students ultimately attending college. “Such results would certainly be compatible with the goals of Governor Granholm and the Cherry Commission on Higher Learning to increase the number of college graduates in Michigan,” Switalski added. “It’s a perfect fit.” Eleventh graders would start taking the test, called the Michigan Merit Exam, during the 2006-07 school year, with a pilot group possibly taking it during the 2005-06 school year. The change in test does not impact the current Michigan Merit Award scholarship program. “I believe that this is among the most significant pieces of legislation that we have taken up during this legislative session since it impacts virtually every student in this state,” Switalski said. “And I am proud to be one of the primary sponsors.” # # # |
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