Standardized Achievement Tests INTERLOCHEN PUBLIC RADIO (Interlochen Public Radio) - High school juniors posted modest improvements in the state's standardized achievement test. The state Department of Education says the improvements in the Michigan Merit Exam came in the areas of reading, writing, and science. There was a slight drop in students who scored proficient in social studies. The scores are important to schools in order to comply with No Child Left Behind. Peter Payette spoke with a director of a school in Manistee that is struggling to meet the requirements. © Copyright 2009, Interlochen Public Radio