HOUGHTON - Most local districts outpaced state averages on the spring's Michigan Merit Exam test, the results of which were released by the state Thursday.

This is the second year for the exam, part of an effort to toughen graduation requirements and improve academic performance. The exam is taken by juniors and seniors, who can qualify for up to $4,000 in state college scholarships with good test results.

In math, reading, science, writing and English/language arts, nine of 11 schools were above average, with Baraga and L'Anse the only exceptions.

Local schools fared worse in social studies than in any other area, relative to the state average. Eight of 11 schools (excluding Adams Township, Lake Linden and L'Anse) beat the state mark. However, the statewide 80 percent proficient and advanced rate on the social studies test was the highest such mark on this year's MME; the next-best was the 62 percent in reading.

Chassell High School's 96.4 percent in social studies was the highest individual mark of any Copper Country school.

"The one nice thing for us is we have one social studies teacher, 7-12 ... so there's definitely continuity from the bottom up," said Principal George Stockero.

While there was room for improvement, Stockero said he is happy with the results overall.

"Overall, the whole ISD wide, kids do really well up here," he said. "I guess it's a tool for us to use to see what we need to work on."

Houghton High School, which ranked fourth in the Copper Country on social studies scores, had the highest marks in the other categories.

"We're pleased with the results, obviously, and the object now is to even improve upon that for next year," said Houghton-Portage Township Schools Superintendent Bill Polkinghorne.

Polkinghorne said the staff would review the high and low points of the test results, then meet as a group to develop a plan for school improvement.

"That's what we've done in the past, that's what we'll do now," he said. "Obviously it's been successful."

Statewide, the percentage of students who scored at proficient or advanced levels were up slightly in reading, writing and science from 2007.

Social studies scores declined, while math scores were close to steady.

The MME also includes an ACT college entrance exam.

Michigan students who took the ACT as part of the test averaged an 18.8 composite score, unchanged from last year.

Garrett Neese can be reached at gneese@mininggazette.com