Michigan Gives ACT Failing Grade

The Michigan Department of Energy and the Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) surprised everyone when they announced the other day that they are canning the ACT (American College Testing) test for the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test).

These tests are typically given to high school students who want to go to college. Michigan will start implementing the SAT test beginning in 2016.

The Michigan Merit Exam included the ACT, the ACT WorkKeys, which assesses work place readiness skills, and several Michigan-created tests in subjects that are not covered by the ACT.

If a high school student wants to take the ACT — which many Michigan and colleges and universities currently require — the student will likely have to pay for the exam himself.

Many people are saying the main reason for the switch was because the bid from the SAT was $15.4 million less than the next bidder, the ACT.

Reaction from many organizations and high schools to the news was quick and negative.

"They just pulled the rug out from under us, with absolutely no warning," said Michael Boulus, executive director of the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan. "It's very clear from the news release that this was done purely out of cost savings, with little concern for the students and the admissions process we've been using for years. You just don't reverse that." told the Detroit Free Press.

Apparently the decision to award the contract to the SAT was a recommendation from a Joint Evaluation Committee, which included a high school principal, local school superintendent, a testing and assessment consultant and a vice president at a community college.

The State Administrative Board, which includes the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, state treasurer and state superintendent, or their representatives will make the final approval.

Call me today on the Live with Renk show, which airs Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to noon, to let me know your thoughts at (269) 441-9595.

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