Schools
Rochester Students Score Well Above State Average on Merit Exam
Test results improved in writing, math and science from 2010 to 2011.
The percentage of high schoolers scoring at or above a "proficient" level on the Michigan Merit Exam this year was well above the state average in all subjects.
The scores, released Tuesday, show students' strengths in all areas of the test, which 11th-graders took over three days in March.
Districtwide, Rochester students' scores improved over 2010 in writing, math and science; there was a slight decrease in reading and social studies — a finding that, again, mirrors the statewide results.
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On the ACT college entrance exam, Rochester students scored an average 22.8; the state average was 19.3.
Parents should be receiving individual students' results soon. Debbi Hartman, communications director for Rochester Community Schools, said the district was pleased with the results.
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The following chart shows the percentage of students who scored "proficient" or "advanced" in test subjects, comparing 2010 to 2011.
Michigan Rochester Community Schools
Adams High School
Rochester High School
Alternative Center for EducationReading 2010 65 83 87
86
83
29
Reading 2011 63 81 83
84
79
33
Writing 2010 44 67 77
70
63
9
Writing 2011 47 73 83
76
67
18
Math 2010 50 80 87
82
79
17
Math 2011 52 81
89
85
75
21
Science 2010 58 78 82
80
80
11
Science 2011 61 80 88
82
77
21
Social Studies 2010 79 91 93
93
92
49
Social Studies 2011 78 87 91
91
85
38
ACT Average 2010 19.3 22.4 23.8
22.5
22.0
14.9
ACT Average 2011 19.3 22.8 24.1
22.9
22.2
15.4
Source: Michigan Dept. of Education
The state's public education leader commended teachers for the steady improvement in students' proficiency.
“Students are being challenged with greater rigor and are achieving at higher levels,” said Mike Flanagan, state superintendent of public instruction. “Michigan educators are to be commended for the efforts they put in to help more students learn and succeed.”
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