Michigan Virtual High School, a division of Michigan Virtual University (MVU), and Bridges Transitions Co., a Xap Corporation company, have signed an agreement to provide online test preparation tools for portions of the Michigan Merit Exam (MME) to all high school students in the state.

The tools include testGEAR for the ACT(R) College Entrance Exam and testGEAR online instructional curricula for the Michigan science, math and social studies content areas. These resources are available at no cost to all Michigan high schools and can be accessed via the Internet. This project is funded by the Governor and the Michigan Legislature and aligns with the state's pioneering online learning requirement adopted earlier this year.

Based on a brief diagnostic test, testGEAR for the ACT College Entrance Exam prescribes a personalized study plan for each student that targets weaknesses with up to 60 hours of online data-driven instruction. testGEAR's standards-aligned curriculum for Michigan math, science and English Language Arts will help students develop stronger academic skills and test taking strategies as they increase their chances of performing well on the MME.

"We are pleased to be working with Michigan Virtual High School in making a difference in students' lives, by offering an engaging learning environment from which all can build aspirations for high school success. From our test prep products to our college planning tools, Xap is committed to empowering lifelong transitions," said Liz Dietz, Xap's CEO.

In addition to the ACT test preparation tool, MVU has partnered with Worldwide Interactive Network (WIN) to make available a free online test preparation tool for the WorkKeys exam. The WorkKeys foundational skills assessments measure cognitive abilities such as applied mathematics, reading for information, and locating information. WIN for WorkKeys is integrated within the MVHS testGEAR portal. This integration means all MME prep products are available through a single sign on.

The WIN for WorkKeys resources consist of competency-based courses and a series of career cluster modules that target critical career and life skills identified for development. The interactive curriculum provides foundational skills courseware for WorkKeys.

"WIN is honored to be a partner with Michigan Virtual University and work collaboratively to make WIN for WorkKeys courseware available as a no-cost online test preparation solution for all of Michigan's K-12 community. Along with MVU, WIN is committed to providing resources that allow every student the opportunity for enhancement of personal economic competitiveness and quality of life," said Dr. Teresa C. Chasteen, President of WIN.

"We want all children in Michigan to have the opportunity to go to college," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "Now that all students will take a college entrance exam, we need to give all students the tools they need to do their best. Their success will reflect well on Michigan."

The online test preparation courses level the playing field, allowing for all students to effectively prepare for the MME. To assist Michigan educators with the adoption and use of these innovative tools the MVHS is providing web- based and face-to-face training and technical support.

"Preparing for the ACT and the WorkKeys exams can be quite daunting. These online tools provide individualized 24-hour access to instructional content that will enable all high school-level students to be better prepared for the Michigan Merit Exam," said Jamey Fitzpatrick, President of MVU.