St. Clair Shores Students Improve Scores on MME, ACT

High school students in St. Clair Shores showed improvements in many categories in the 2011-12 school year, according to a report released by the Michigan Department of Education this morning.

The test, taken each spring by high school juniors, showed increases in the number of students who were considered proficient in math and writing in all three districts. 

South Lake, , saw increases in every category this year. 

Students also took the ACT. Both and nearly matched the state average of 19.6 out of a possible 36.

“Lakeview Public Schools, like most in Michigan, have focused our efforts on improving student achievement at all levels through targeted interventions and changes to instruction based on student data,” said Lakeview Superintendent Karl Paulson. “Our detailed data analysis empowers the professional staff with the information to make appropriate adjustments to instruction—this is what drives the improvement we have seen in our scores."

He added, "Lakeview High School scores have improved in all content areas two years in a row. The data demonstrates this upward trend in all of the ACT composite, specific content, and MME content scores. Lakeview’s Board of Education and I are proud of the work our teachers and principals have done to achieve this positive outcome for students.”

Lake Shore and South Lake officials were unavailable for comment.

Percent of Proficient or advanced scores per subject

Writing 2012

The MDE adopted a tougher standard for passing the MME this year to better represent the number of students who are college-ready. Students had to score higher on the tests to receive a passing, or "proficient," score.

The overall composite scores for Michigan high school juniors on the ACT college-entrance exam also increased for the fourth consecutive year, as did the percentage of Michigan students who are career- and college-ready.

“Building a stronger and more vibrant future for Michigan begins in the classrooms across this state,” said Governor Rick Snyder, in a release. “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.”

This is a developing story. Check back with St. Clair Shores Patch for comments from local school administrators.