In my opinion, the recent decision by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to green-light the removal of the writing requirement in 11th-grade state testing is a significant step towards reducing unnecessary stress on students and increasing their opportunities. This move is particularly fascinating as it addresses a long-standing issue in Michigan's education system, where students have been required to share their test scores even while out-of-state applicants haven't. This has been a source of frustration for many, as it creates an unfair advantage for those who don't have to undergo the same testing pressure. What makes this decision even more interesting is the fact that it comes at a time when the rate of college readiness in writing assessments among Michigan's high school juniors has been on a long-term decline over the last two decades. This decline is particularly concerning, as it suggests that students are not developing their writing skills at the rate they should be. Personally, I think this decision is a step in the right direction, as it will allow students to focus more on instruction, hands-on learning, and student development. However, I also believe that it raises a deeper question about the role of standardized testing in education. If we are to reduce the amount of required testing, how will we ensure that students are still being held accountable for their learning? One thing that immediately stands out is the fact that the Michigan Merit Exam (MME) includes three assessments: the College Board-administered Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), the ACT, and the Michigan Standardized Test for Educational Progress (M-STEP). The SAT has covered reading and writing, as well as math, while the ACT covers a skills assessment of applied math and graphic literacy, and the M-STEP tests science and social studies. This raises a question about the balance between different subjects and skills in the testing process. What this really suggests is that we need to think more critically about how we are assessing students' abilities and how we can improve the testing process to better serve their needs. From my perspective, the removal of the writing requirement in 11th-grade state testing is a positive step, but it is just one piece of the puzzle. We need to continue to explore and implement innovative solutions to ensure that students are still being held accountable for their learning and that they are developing the skills they need to succeed in college and beyond.
