Each member of the ADP Network has committed to a common policy agenda, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Highlights of this state's action plan are below. Click here to download a PDF of the complete plan.

Policies and Action Steps

1. Align high school standards and assessments with the knowledge and skills required for success after high school. (April 2005–June 2007)
   • Revise high school content standards and solicit feedback from education officials and public.
   • Create a variety of ways to use these standards (by course, integrated sequentially and as end-of-high-school expectations).
2. Require all high school graduates to take challenging courses that actually prepare them for life after high school. (April 2005–June 2007)
   • State Board has adopted new graduation requirements consistent with college and work readiness — awaiting legislative approval. (Completed.)
   • Ensure alignment with new standards.
   • Provide professional development to ensure effective implementation.
   • Ensure broader access to dual-enrollment and college credit-earning courses for students, including increasing awareness among students and parents.
3. Streamline the assessment system so that the tests students take in high school also can serve as readiness tests for college and work.
   • Continue to develop a high school assessment that will double as a college-entrance exam. Use Michigan Merit Exam, embedded with the ACT, to measure student mastery of the rigorous curriculum and instruction.
4. Hold high schools accountable for graduating students who are ready for college or careers, and hold postsecondary institutions accountable for students' success once enrolled. (2005–2008)
   • Report assessment results and graduation and dropout rates on Michigan School Report Card, including disaggregated graduation rates by 2007–08.
   • Establish longitudinal data system to track student progress from elementary through middle and high school and into postsecondary education by 2007–08. Allow data sharing among education agencies so teachers can provide personalized education planning.
   • Provide local and statewide data on enrollment, remediation and degree completion at postsecondary level.

ADP Network Team