By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-914358.mp3
LANSING, MI –
The state Department of Education says high school test scores have improved in most subject areas. As Michigan Public Radio's Rick Pluta reports, officials credit the state's challenging new high school curriculum.
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The Michigan Merit Examination tests students in math, science, reading and writing. The percentage of students who scored proficient or advanced in those areas reached their highest levels ever. However, scores in another area, social studies, were down from last year.
Part of the test includes the ACT college entrance exam. The state Department of Education says this is the third year in a row the average score on the test has improved.
The state started phasing in new high school graduation requirements three years ago. The new curriculum includes learning Algebra two and other advanced math, English and a foreign language, and science.
The results include a four point improvement in math scores over the past two years.
Governor Granholm cheered the results in a written statement. She says better test scores mean more Michigan high school students can be expected to go on to college.