MDE: Give MI schools a break on tests

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan Department of Education is proposing to amend its accountability system to allow students who fail a key standardized test to be considered proficient on the exam if they show significant improvement.

The Detroit Free Press reports Monday the change would mean some schools could get a better rating from the state when it introduces a color-coded accountability system next year.

Joseph Martineau is director of the Bureau of Assessment and Accountability at the Michigan Department of Education. He said a change is needed to both acknowledge the difficulty in helping students who are the furthest behind and to give schools more credit for doing that successfully.

The change would involve students taking Michigan Educational Assessment Program exams. It would need approval from the U.S. Department of Education.