Tougher test standards being considered in Lansing for the MEAP

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan State Board of Education is expected to set tougher standards for what's considered a passable score on the state's standardized tests.

The board on Tuesday is scheduled to consider new so-called cut scores for the Michigan Educational Assessment Program tests taken by elementary and middle school students and the Michigan Merit Exam taken by high school students.

The board voted in February to raise the scoring standards to better reflect students' preparedness for careers and college. The specific cut score levels could be considered Tuesday.

The new scoring standard could cause a significant decline in the number of students considered proficient in math, reading, science and social studies.