TESTING OUT
Public Act 335 (Section 1279B) of
the State Code (1993)allows any high school student be offered
the opportunity to "test out" of any course
offered by their high school except
civics which is statutorily mandated.
Students must exhibit mastery of a course content by attaining
a grade of C+ (78%)or better on a comprehensive examination. The
examination may include, but not be limited portfolios, papers,
projects, presentations or performances. The grade will not be
included in the student's grade point average and no credit will
count towards graduation requirements; however, the student will
have fulfilled the course requirement so they can move to the
next level of course sequence. For example, a student completing
8th grade Math may earn a C+ or better on an Algebra 1 (both semesters)
in order to begin 9th grade in Geometry which is the next level
sequence (8th grade Math then Algebra 1 then Geometry then Algebra
2, etc.). Once the student achieves this new level, the student
may not take a lower sequence level for high school credit.
Here is a sample testing out form:
Students must request this testing
option prior to May 21st for 1st semester or November 15th
for 2nd semester. Students
will be given a course syllabus, texbook, a set of course outcomes
and any other pertinent course materials for the exam at least
2 weeks prior to the exam by the instructor. A conference may be set up with the parents,
student, teacher, counselor and principal prior to the test.
APPLICATION FOR TESTING OUT
Date of Request ____________ Deadline: May 21st
for August 1-15, 2007; November 15 for December 10, 2007-January
11, 2008
Name __________________________________
Grade ______
Class Reqesting to Test Out ___________________________________________
Rather than enroll in this course and
complete the course requirements, I am requesting the opportunity
to demonstrate mastery of the content in the above course. I understand
that this assessment will include an examination which may include
a written report, presentation, project, portfolio or other means
of assessing proficiency. I understand that I must earn a C+ or
better (78% or higher) on this assessment to test out of the semester
course requirements. I further understand that I do not earn credit
for this course; rather, by demonstrating proficiency, it entitles
me the opportunity to enroll in a higher course sequence.
Student Signature ___________________________________________
Parent Signature ____________________________________________
Counselor Signature _________________________________________
Principal Signature __________________________________________
----------------------------------------------------
Teacher Assigned ___________________________________
Date ___________
Materials given to student: Textbook
____ Date _______ Syllabus ____ Date _______ Course Outcomes ____
Other Materials _________________________ Date ________
Date of Test _______________
Test Results _______
I hereby affirm that this student,
_______________________, has ( ) has not ( ) demonstrated proficiency
by passing the course ___________________________ with a C+ or
better (78% or higher)! This student is now eligible to enroll
in the following course ____________________________ which is
the next sequence in the curriculum.
Instructor _____________________________
Date _________
Laws for Testing Out
Testing Out Questions and Answers
Michigan Legislature
Michigan Principals
Physical Education Option: In December,
1993 legislation was passed which amended the Michigan School
Code to provide a physical education "opt out" for grade
10 students who are involved in athletics. The law states that,
"a school district may credit a pupil's participation in
extra-curricular athletics or other extra-curricular activities
involving physical activity as meeting the physical education
requirement for the pupil." As a result, students who are
listed on the player roster and participate in Michigan High School
Athletic Association sports, or lacrosse, rowing, girls ice hockey,
or sailing may "opt out" of physical education in grade
10 during the season of their sport(s). This provision applies
only to students who are enrolled in more than 60 credit hours
of course work.
Students must apply for this physical
education option during the first full week of each semester.
Specific physical education outcomes are assessed in grade 10.
Students who opt out of all or part of grade 10 physical education
are expected to complete the assessments by arrangement with the
Physical Education Department Chair. Additionally, students who
opt out of grade 10 physical education must recognize that they
may miss important units such as CPR. Make-up arrangements to
learn these units should be made with the student's physical education
teacher or the department chair.
A student who quits an approved
activity before the season is over (excluding injured students
who are no longer able to complete) will not receive a final grade
of "pass" and will be required to make up the physical
education credit.
Section 1502:
(1) Health and physical education
for pupils of both sexes shall be established and provided in
all public schools of this state. Subject to subsection (2), each
pupil attending public school in this state who is physically
fit and capable of doing so shall take the course in physical
education.
(2) A school may credit a pupil’s
participation in extracurricular athletics or other extracurricular
activities involving physical activity as meeting the physical
education requirement for the pupil under subsection (1).
Physical Education Facts or Fiction?
Michigan's Schools and student's healthy weight
Current Michigan Code on Health, Physical Education,
Sex/HIV Education
State of Michigan High School Graduation Requirements