Wyandotte 11th-Graders Score Higher Than Last Year on Michigan Merit Exam

Wyandotte's 11th-graders performed better this year compared to the previous year on the Michigan Merit Exam, according to results released Thursday by the Michigan Department of Education.

Wyandotte's results, however, are still below the state average in all subject areas but reading.

scores improved in reading, writing, mathematics and science, but were down marginally in social studies.

Wyandotte school superintendent Carla Harting said the district's teachers are to credit for the rising test scores.

"I attribute the improvement to the staff members and their work with students," Harting said. "We will continue to review this and other data. We are happy that we have made gains and will continue to work to improve. I also asked that we remember that this is one test on one day."

Wyandotte's stats followed the statewide trend, which showed positive one-year gains and even larger four-year gains in the same four subject areas.

“Building a stronger and more vibrant future for Michigan begins in the classrooms across this state,” Gov. Rick Snyder said in a written statement. “We must equip students with the skills to succeed in this global economy. While we have more work to do, our state is moving in the right direction. Let’s continue to build on these achievements for the good of our state and our children.”

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan said the results show that more progress is needed across Michigan classrooms.

“We have to make sure we keep motivating all students with a challenging curriculum, and not give in to thinking that our kids just can’t do it," Flanagan said in a written statement. "They can and they are."

The Michigan Merit Exam is given every March and tests 11th-grade students on statewide high school standards in reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies.

The scores released this year are the first under more rigorous "cut scores" that were unveiled last year by the state which require students to correctly answer more questions in order to get a "passing" score.

The district's ACT scores followed the same trend as the Merit Exam, where they improved over last year's, but were lower than the state average.

(Source: Michigan Department of Education)