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For Educational Progress: Higher Standards and Rigorous Assessments

Sep 18, 2015

Michigan suffers from a "preparation gap," with 35 percent of graduating high school students who enter college unprepared for freshmen level coursework, write Business Roundtable President John Engler and Daniel Hurley, CEO of the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan, in The Detroit News. The result? Students are forced to take remedial courses in math and/or English.

But there's progress, and in the introduction of higher standards is playing a key role.  From "Stay the course on rigorous K-12 standards":

The good news is Michigan educators have been working to address this problem by introducing more challenging academic standards in elementary, middle and high school — standards that are aligned with the expectations students will face when they enter college and the job market. Michigan’s employers and its colleges and universities overwhelmingly support these efforts because we know first-hand the opportunities for students who graduate high school college- and career-ready. And we know that Michigan’s future economic prosperity depends on getting this right.
 
This fall marks a pivotal moment in our state’s efforts to raise expectations and performance. State officials will release the first set of test results based on the new, higher Michigan Academic Standards. The Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, known as M-STEP, is a more accurate assessment of our students’ academic progress. The assessment asks students to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and skills such as critical thinking, analytical writing and problem solving — skills that young people need to be successful in our businesses and college campuses. While no single test can provide a complete picture of achievement, when combined with student grades and teacher reports, the assessments provide important information about student progress, helping teachers and parents know whether students will be ready for college and careers each step.
 
As we’ve seen in other states that have boosted K-12 learning standards, we may see lower scores on these new state tests initially. But this should not be cause for alarm. As is the case with any change, there is a period of adjustment as teachers and students transition to the new standards and tests. Any change in test scores simply reflects the higher standards our schools have been aiming for, standards that help ensure that Michigan students are ready for the increasingly competitive global economy.
 
Bottom line:  A strategy that begins with high expectations and is matched by high standards, and an accurate measurement of where each child stands will help young people succeed in school and life.
 
 

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