Michigan —For the first time in well over a decade, and perhaps ever, students in Michigan Conference Adventist schools scored at least 20 points higher than the national average at each grade level on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, the most widely used achievement test in the U.S. The test is given yearly at grade levels three through nine in our conference. Each grade scored from 20–22 percentile points higher than the national average.

During the first week in November, students take a battery of tests covering all the core subjects—reading, language skills, math, science, social studies, and study skills. The testing company then grades the tests, and the results are compared with both public and private school students who have taken the same tests throughout the country. Our students averaged better than seven out of every 10 students who took the test. Another statistic shows that when compared to entire schools across the country, our system would rank in the top 14%. That is great news for parents and church members who are sacrificing so much to have their children in Adventist schools!

It is interesting to note that while our schools are exempt from the No Child Left Behind Act, the Iowa Tests meet the testing requirements outlined in the law. These scores verify that students in Michigan Conference schools are receiving top-quality education as measured by secular standards. However, we have an even higher calling. We not only want to educate our students to be successful in this life, but even more importantly, to know Jesus and prepare for eternity with Him.

Bill Reinke, Michigan Conference associate superintendent of education