Novi's MME Scores Increase; ACT Average Remains Steady

students continue to score above state average on the Michigan Merit Exam (MME), and scores in all subjects in Novi increased 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 that the Class of 2013 fared slightly better than their recently graduated peers in reading, math, science, writing and social studies.

Students also took the ACT. Novi's average composite ACT score remains at 23, which it has been for the past two years. Novi's ACT score is above the state average of 19 out of a possible 36.

2012 Novi High School's MME Scores Compared to State Averages (Percent of students who met proficiency)

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. 

Novi High School 4-Year MME Score Comparison (Percent of students who met proficiency)

"[E]ven with the new more rigorous state cut-scores applied, Novi High School has shown improvement in all areas tested," said Nick Kalakailo, Novi director of student growth and accountability, in a letter to the Board of Education. "This upward and stable trend from 2008-2012 should be a source of pride for our students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community members."

"We will continue to help all of our students grow and we will look for other signs of excellence, beyond MME scores, from the class of 2013 as they move forward to graduation in the coming year," he continued.

Last year, Novi's in four out of the five subjects.

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.