Royal Oak Students' ACT, MME Scores Outperform State Averages

students continue to score above the state average on the Michigan Merit Exam (MME), and scores in all subjects in Royal Oak 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 about the same as their recently graduated peers in reading, math, science, writing and social studies.

"All of our Royal Oak High School scores are above state averages, with most of them being significantly above those averages, and we are pleased with this," Royal Oak Schools Superintendent Shawn Lewis-Lakin wrote in an email to Royal Oak Patch on Thursday morning.

Lewis-Lakin pointed out that the scores are different than in the past due to  . "While previous scores have been adjusted based on the new cut scores, year-to-year comparisons need to be done with caution," he said.

"MME results are one data point among many which we use to monitor student learning. Student achievement data is 'good' to the degree that we use it successfully for the purpose of improving student learning. This data informs an analysis and improvement process with one goal: improving learning for all students."

Students also took the ACT. Royal Oak's average composite ACT score was 21 in 2012, down very slightly from 21.2 in 2011. Royal Oak's ACT score is above the state average of 19 out of a possible 36.

2012 Royal Oak 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 previous three years, which were retrospectively adjusted to reflect the new MME scoring standards. 

Royal Oak 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.