Michigan high school students will have more flexibility when applying to colleges this fall thanks to two new state laws that went into effect on Tuesday.
The legislation, signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in May, does away with the mandatory essay portion of the Michigan Merit Exam — a state and federally mandated competency test (previously the Michigan Educational Assessment Program, or MEAP) which 11th and eligible 12th grade students are required to take each spring.
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The Michigan Merit Exam consists of three components: a college entrance test in reading and writing such as the SAT, an optional work skills test, and the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) in science and social studies.
State Reps. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) and Tom Kunse (R-Clare) are co-sponsors of the legislation. They say the laws will help take stress out of the college application process and re-dedicate more resources for instruction and student development.
“Nearly every Michigan college has test-optional applications, yet Michigan’s students have been required to share their scores even while out-of-state applicants haven’t,” Koleszar said. “These laws even the playing field for Michigan’s students, ensuring they can competitively pursue postsecondary education in their home state.”
Koleszar says removing the essay requirement will also reduce the time required for standardized testing in schools, allowing for “more valuable instruction time with their teachers.”
“At their core, these laws are about reducing unnecessary stress while increasing opportunity for our kids,” he said.
The legislation passed with overwhelming support.