Tom Watkins, Superintendent of Public Instruction

Michigan Department of Education

March 18, 2004

Certain educational interests are engaged in a campaign to replace the high school MEAP test with the ACT college entrance exam.

The Michigan Department of Education and the State Board of Education constantly are looking at ways to improve education and maximize dollars.  We want what’s best for teachers, students, and schools that won’t end up costing more.
The department’s nationally-respected testing expert, Dr. Ed Roeber, as well as unbiased outside experts have looked at the facts and have come to the conclusion that this ACT proposal does not measure up.  It would not meet Michigan’s high standards, is much more costly, and will have great difficulty helping our schools meet the requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

In fact, moving to the ACT would be a step back from the high, rigorous standards Michigan has implemented to establish us a national leader in student testing.  We want high, rigorous academic standards for our students with the appropriate means to measure achievement.

This decision ought not be whether students and administrators like the MEAP test or not, but rather, what’s best for students in preparing them to compete and be successful in a global, 21st Century economy.

We look forward to working with the Legislature and providing the policymakers with the facts.  We ask the Legislature to take a thoughtful, fair, and objective approach to this debate to do what is best for the students.

We’re for anything that enhances teaching and learning and reduces costs.