Under Michigan legislation, high school students may request the opportunity to “test out” of any high school class they select, with the exception of American Government. The intent of Section 1279b is twofold: first, to allow high school students to demonstrate knowledge and skills they already possess, and second, to provide students with a nearly unlimited number and range of courses they could endeavor to “pass.”
A student who successfully tests out of a course will receive credit towards graduation for the course. In order to pass, the legislation requires students to achieve a C+ (78%) or better. The test out grade will simply be a “pass” and will not be included in the calculation of the student’s grade point average.
Students need to declare their intent to test out by obtaining an application from their counselor. Applications can also be downloaded by visiting, www.tcaps.net/highschools. This application must be completed and returned to the student’s counselor by April 25, 2008.
Student results will be available in the appropriate secondary school office by June 2, 2008.
For some classes, in addition to the final exam, students may be required to complete extended projects and/or research papers. This additional work must be completed by June 19, 2008.