UPDATED: Northville High School Makes Gains in Nearly All Areas of MME, Far Above State Average

students continue to score well above the state average on the Michigan Merit Exam (MME) in the 2011-12 school year, according to a report released by the Michigan Department of Education today.

The test, taken each spring by high school juniors, showed that the Class of 2013 fared slightly better than their recently graduated peers in reading, math, science, writing and social studies.

“Our high school curriculum is rigorous and our students meet the challenge,” said NHS Principal Rob Watson. “The performance by our students on the MME is the direct result of the strong partnership between our students, teachers and parents that focuses on success for all students.”

He added, “As we do each year, administrators and educators across the school district will use this data — alongwith other assessments of student learning — to improve our curriculum and instructional practices, and enhance student intervention and support programs.”

School board president Dottie Garrity was also pleased with the scores released today.

“I would attribute the scores to our motivated and quality teachers and our supportive parent base," she said.

The students' ACT results were also released today. Northville's average composite ACT score is 24, which is an increase from 23 from 2011-2009. Northville's ACT score is above the state average of 19 out of a possible 36.

By the numbers

2012 Northville High School's MME Scores Compared to State Averages (Percent of students who scored proficient or above)

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 following numbers show scores for the past three years, which were retrospectively adjusted to reflect the new MME scoring standards. 

Northville High School 4-Year MME Score Comparison (Percent of students who scored proficient or above)

Statewide, student achievement on the MME showed positive one-year gains and even larger four-year gains in mathematics, reading, writing, and science, the Michigan Department of Education reported.

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.

2012 Northville High School's ACT Scores Compared to State Averages (Percent of students who met or exceeded state's benchmarks)

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This is a developing story. Come back to Northville Patch for updates.