Michigan Merit Exam Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

1. Who will take the Michigan Merit Exam (MME)?

 

All Juniors will take the MME in addition to any Seniors eligible to retake.

 

2. Why does my child have to take the MME?

 

The Lamphere School district has made participation in the MME a graduation requirement. 

 

3. How will my child know what the testing expectations are for the MME?

 

In order to communicate testing expectations to students, there will be a mandatory meeting your 11th grade student will attend in February. There will be two purposes for this meeting:

 

•1) Students will complete the informational portion of their testing answer documents for the ACT, WorkKeys, and MI components.  This includes name, address, interest survey, college reporting choices (http://www.actstudent.org/scores/scodes.html) etc.

 

•2) Students will review the list of rules and regulations and will receive a written copy. It is imperative that students understand that non-compliance with the state's expectations could disqualify them from the Promise Scholarship.

 

4. What is meant by college reporting choices (see the question above)?

 

ACT will send test scores (ACT only) to four colleges of your choice.  Students will need to know what colleges to indicate on their answer document.

 

5. Can the ACT score be used for college admission?

 

Scores for the ACT portion of the MME given under standard testing conditions are valid ACT scores and can be used for college application.

 

6. How does the MME relate to the state scholarship?

 

Students will be able to qualify for the Michigan Promise Scholarship by taking the MME. Students that qualify for the Michigan Promise Scholarship may receive up to $1,000 per academic year for each of their first two years of college enrollment and up to $2,000 after the successful completion of two years of postsecondary education with at least a 2.5 GPA. If a student does not score high enough on their first try, there will be an additional opportunity to qualify during their senior year.  Further information on the Michigan Promise Scholarship is available at www.mi.gov/mistudentaid. 

 

7. What scores does my child need to receive the scholarship?

 

A level I or II in the areas of Math, Science, Reading, Writing and Social Studies.

 

8. What subjects are tested on the MME?

 

Math, Science, Reading, Writing and Social Studies are tested.

 

9. How can my child study for the MME?

 

All students can access the ACT preparatory website at www.bridges.com/mvhs and follow the steps to review and practice for the exam.  The Lamphere High School curriculum has been aligned to the state expectations which are tested on the MME.  Staff has provided ACT review within content areas and through school wide ACT prep.  Students can access the ACT website: http://www.act.org/.

 

10. Does the Social Studies test score count for the MI Promise Scholarship?

 

 Yes, all tested areas (Math, Science, Reading, Writing and Social Studies) count for MI Promise Scholarship eligibility.

 

11. Is a MME score tied to graduation or a diploma?

 

The Lamphere requirement is that all juniors take the test.

 

12. My child is a senior; can my child retake the MME?

 A retake of the MME is not available.  Only seniors that have not yet taken the MME are eligible to test.

13. When will the MME be given?

 

Testing dates are March 9-11, 20010 for initial testing and March 23-25 for make-up testing.

 

14. What is the testing schedule for the initial MME testing?

 

March 9 : ACT plus writing, 7:45am until 1pm

    Juniors are released after testing, busses will be available

March 10 : ACT Workeys and Michigan Math, from 7:45am until 10:45am

    Late start for all of LHS begins at 11:15am

March 11 : Michigan Science and Social Studies, from 7:45am until 10:45am

 Full day of school for ALL LHS students.

 

15. What happens if my child is absent for one of the testing days?

 

The make-up date will be exactly 2 weeks later.  Students must complete the make up to fulfill the LHS graduation requirement.

 

16. If my child misses one day of testing do they need to attend all the make-up testing dates?

 

No.  Students that are absent for initial testing need to only attend and test for the day they missed.

 

17. Will breakfast be served at LHS on the testing mornings?

 

Mr. Okuniewski will be cooking pancakes for the students on the ACT test day.  For the additional testing days bagels and juice will be provided in the cafeteria. 

 

18. Testing is very long; can my child bring food or drink to the testing sessions?

 

No food or drink is allowed in the testing rooms for any of the testing days, this is an ACT regulation in place for all of the MME.  On Tuesday 3/9, students will be given a short break during testing for restroom use and a small snack will be provided.  On Wednesday 3/10 and Thursday 3/11, a short break will be given during testing. 

 

19. Can my child have a cell phone available?

 

No, cell phones are not permitted in testing rooms, please do not bring them.  An interruption from any electronic device can invalidate your child's test score and possibly everyone's score in that testing room.

 

20. Will my child miss classes due to the MME?

 

Juniors will miss 1st hour on the last day of testing. The rest of the LHS student body will not be in attendance during testing times.

 

21. Do we need to pay for the ACT portion of the MME?

 

No.  The entire test is provided by the State of Michigan.

 

22. Can my child use a calculator for the test and if so, which one?

 

Yes, calculators are allowed for certain portions of the MME.  Students should bring their calculators for testing.  For information on permitted calculators visit the Act website at http://www.actstudent.org/faq/answers/calculator.html

 

23. Can my child leave the test once finished?

 

No.  Students may not leave early from the testing site.  The testing requirements state that students must remain in the room until testing is complete.

 

24. Who can I contact if I further questions?

 

Further information will be posted on the school website MME Information page and communicated to students directly.  If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to call Mrs. Newton at 248-589-3943 x2870.