A federal education decision is now forcing many Michigan school districts to scramble.

That’s because the fed’s have denied Michigan’s request to cancel state assessments this school year.

State Superintendent Michael Rice says their decision not to waive MSTEP testing during the pandemic shows the fed’s disconnect with conditions in public schools in Michigan.

Rice wanted the M-STEP tests to be canceled because the pandemic has disrupted learning with many students learning exclusively online for most of the school year.

He says it causes several districts to figure out logistics for giving the exams while COVID-related buildings remain closed.