By AP
LANSING, MI –
The Michigan State Board of Education has voted to raise standards for what's considered a proficient score on the state's standardized tests.
The board Tuesday approved new so-called "cut scores" for the Michigan Educational Assessment Program tests taken by elementary and middle school students and the Michigan Merit Exam taken by high school students.
The board voted in February to raise the scoring standards to better reflect students' preparedness for careers and college. The specific scoring levels were approved with the latest board vote.
The new scoring standard likely will cause a significant decline in the number of students considered proficient in math, reading, science and social studies.