Michigan High School Graduation Requirements July 2006

Our students face both national and international competition Research shows students are not prepared to succeed in college or workplace Courses like Algebra II are new gateway to higher paying jobs Michigan’s economic recovery is tied to a well- educated workforce Why…Economic Survival

Strong math and science backgrounds Creative problem solvers Effective communicators Leadership qualities Flexibility - ability to adapt Why…Employers Want

College-ready is Work-ready “…we know that the skills expected for college are also the skills needed to enter today’s workforce. So whether students plan further education or work after high school graduation, they need to graduate college-ready.” On Course for Success ACT

History of High School Requirements Cherry Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth Year long study of resources, districts and best practices State Board of Education action Extraordinary partnership between Executive and Legislative branches

History of High School Requirements Legislation signed by Governor Granholm on April 20, 2006 created a set of rigorous high school requirements State graduation requirements go from worst to first in nation New requirements effective Class of 2011 except for Languages other than English (LOTE) 2016

Successful High School Programs High expectations Rigorous requirements Academic studies applied to real-world problems and projects Challenging career/technical studies Work-based learning opportunities

School Environment Teachers working together Students actively engaged Productive senior year Guidance Support structures High Schools That Work, Southern Regional Education Board June 2005

Our Charge Come together to help ALL students meet the content expectations to be work or college-ready Create a vision of implementation for high school redesign Identify curricular content and effective instructional practices that lead to increased student engagement

Collaboration is the Key Higher Education Local District Staff ISD and RESA Consultants Career and Technical Educators Special Education and Support Staff Content and Curriculum Consultants Professional Organizations Others Our Partners

Overview of Michigan Merit Curriculum 2011 Requirements ( th grade class) –4 English Language Arts –4 Mathematics (1 in senior year) –3 Science –3 Social Studies –1 Physical Education/Health –1 Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts –On-line course/experience 2016 Requirements ( rd grade class) –2 credits/experience in Languages other than English

Courageous Leadership “By enacting the Michigan Merit Curriculum, the Michigan Legislature and Governor Granholm…the State Board of Education and the Department of Education have catapulted Michigan from the state that demanded among the least…to one of the states that demands the most. Enacting Michigan Merit Curriculum required political leadership and courage. Implementing it well will require the skill and dedication of Michigan’s educators, a challenge they are surely up to.” Michael Cohen President and CEO of Achieve, Inc.

High School Course/Credit Content Expectations Overview

What Was MDE’s Charge? Create a set of subject matter content expectations and guidelines that will ensure rigorous learning for all students in high school so as to meet the requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum Convene committees that represent the highest levels of expertise Align expectations to national and international standards Submit work for public and national reviews Publish documents that are useful to teachers, parents, students, and the community

Michigan Merit Curriculum The Michigan Merit Curriculum represents the credits required for graduation in specific subject areas and learning experiences –Course/Credit Content Expectations for: English Language Arts Mathematics Science Social Studies –Subject Area/Learning Experience Guidelines for: Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts (VPAA) Physical Education/Health Online Learning Languages other than English (LOTE)

Who Was Involved? Academic Work Groups –Chaired by Higher Education –Other representative members Local and Intermediate School Districts Professional Organizations Career & Technical Education Review Committees Web Review National Review –Achieve, Inc. – ELA and Mathematics –Council of State Science Supervisors –North American Council for Online Learning

What Was Developed? High School Content Expectations (HSCE) –The “universe” of recommended content during a 4 year high school experience Course/Credit Content Expectations (CCE) –Specific course/credit content requirements derived from the “universe” of the HSCE

Build on and extend  Michigan K-8 Grade Level Content Expectations and the K-8 Educational Experience  Michigan Curriculum Framework  Career and Employability Skills Standards and Benchmarks Course/Credit Content Expectations

Are aligned with national standards and recommendations from:  American Diploma Project (ADP) and Achieve, Inc.,  National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association  National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and Program for International Student Assessment (PISA)  College Board (SAT)  National Assessment Evaluation Program (NAEP) and National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB)  American College Testing Program (ACT) Course/Credit Content Expectations

Course/Credit Guidelines The Course/Credit Guidelines (CCG) –Provide high schools with general curricular content and processes –Local school districts will assign credits based on their course/credit offerings that are aligned to the Course/Credit Guidelines –Guidelines are aligned to Michigan Curriculum Framework, Career and Technical Education Standards, and/or other program area guidelines

English Language Arts Required: 4 credits Credit content is defined by units –4 model units per credit (year) –Anchor texts narrative/informational –Organized by Big Ideas –Increasing levels of complexity and sophistication Emphasis on Reading, Writing, and Informational Text Suggested literature

Mathematics Required: 4 Credits Credit content is developed for: –Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II, Pre- Calculus, Statistics, and Integrated Mathematics Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II are required Senior year of math is required – to be selected from district or online options, and/or dual enrollment Sequence is not mandated Legislation lists examples, list not exclusive Integrated math allowed

Science Required: 3 Credits Credit content is developed for: –Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Biology required of everyone Choice of Physics or Chemistry 3 rd credit to be selected from district or online options, and/or dual enrollment Legislation encourages 4 th credit Sequence not mandated

Social Studies Required: 3 credits Credit content is being developed for: –U.S. History and Geography, Civics, Economics, and World History and Geography 1 credit in U.S. History and Geography.5 credit in Civics.5 credit in Economics 1 credit in World History and Geography Anticipated approval and dissemination 2007

Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts Required: 1 credit Guidelines are developed for: –Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts The goal is to provide students with experience in the entire artistic/creative process Guidelines focus on artistic/creative processes rather than defining set of courses that meet guidelines Credit assignment is up to local school district

Physical Education/Health Required: 1 credit Guidelines are being developed for: –Physical Education –Health Credit assignment is up to local school district –.5 credit in Physical Education –.5 credit in Health Physical Education and Health requirements may be met in other course/credit areas that meet the established guidelines

Online Requirement Requirement: No credit assigned Guidelines are developed for “online learning experience”: –Credit or non-credit course or learning experience OR… –District has integrated online learning into each credit area required for graduation MDE identifies basic level of technology and internet access for requirement to be in effect

Languages Other Than English Required: –2 credits in high school OR.. –Course work or other learning experiences prior to/during high school American Sign Language (ASL) and Heritage Languages qualify toward LOTE requirement Requirement may be met on-line

Timeline for Course/Credit Content Expectations and Guidelines Science High School Content Expectations will be presented to the State Board for approval, September 12, 2006 Course/Credit Content Expectations and Guidelines will be made available on the MDE website in August: –English Language Arts: Units for 9 th and 10 th grades –Mathematics: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre- Calculus, Statistics –Science: Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics –Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts –Online Experience

Timeline for Course/Credit Content Expectations and Guidelines Course/Credit Content Expectations and Guidelines projected for 2007 –Social Studies: U.S. History and Geography, Economics, Civics, World History and Geography –Languages other than English (LOTE): Guidelines for credit and experience

Performance Matters What’s New Meet or exceed content expectations Perform and demonstrate competency Assign credit based on meeting expectations Currently Pass or fail Seat time Individual courses What We Know

Courses vs. Credits Student earns credit by: Successfully completing the learning expectations in the Course/Credit Content Expectations for the credit area Successful completion to be determined, in part, by state or local district assessments “Testing out” allowed based on earning qualifying score on state or local assessments

Courses vs. Credits, cont’d. Graduation requirements intended to be standards/competency-based Requirements do not imply courses, seat time, Carnegie Units Legislation says districts may offer credits through “alternate methods” (e.g. Humanities, CTE, Industrial Technology, Voc-Ed, or combination)

Courses vs. Credits, cont’d. Credit requirement can be met in variety of ways and in other courses –Career Technical Education –Community based learning –Independent study/project work High school credit may be earned for high school level courses taken prior to high school

Courses vs. Credits, cont’d. Legislation does not prohibit student satisfying credit requirements through: –Dual enrollment –Advanced Placement –International Baccalaureate –Other “early college” experiences or programs

Michigan Merit Curriculum Assessments By April 2009 the MDE must develop or select and approve assessments to measure achievement in at least the required credit areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies by: –End-of-course exams –Possible incremental (semester) assessments Legislation authorizes local district to institute as graduation requirement Legislation authorizes local districts to add additional requirements to the Michigan Merit Curriculum

Personal Curriculum Graduation requirements may be modified through the “Personal Curriculum” Developed by team comprised of: the student, parent/guardian, high school counselor or staff member designated by principal No age or grade level legislated Should incorporate as much of graduation requirements as practicable Shall include measurable goals and evaluation

Personal Curriculum, cont’d. Aligned with student’s Educational Development Plan (EDP from 7 th grade) Final plan must be approved by parents and district superintendent Parents must communicate with teachers once each quarter to assess progress

Personal Curriculum CreditsSubject AreaDescription Personal Curriculum (Modification) 4 CreditsEnglish Language Arts Aligned with subject area content expectations developed by the Department and approved by the State Board of Education No modification 4 CreditsMathematics Algebra I Geometry Algebra II 1 additional math or math-related credit Math or math-related credit in the final year All students must: Complete at least 3.5 math or math- related credits Complete a math or math-related credit in the final year Algebra 2 modification options: Complete 2.5 credits including.5 credit of Algebra II OR Complete a two year Career and Technical education curriculum which includes.5 credit of Algebra II content OR Complete Algebra 2 over 2 years with credit given for each year

Personal Curriculum 3 CreditsScience Biology Chemistry or Physics 1 additional Science credit No modification 3 CreditsSocial Studies.5 Civics.5 Economics US History and Geography World History and Geography No modification of Civics 2 credits must be earned Modified only if student takes additional credit(s) beyond the required credits in English Language Arts, Math, Science, or World Languages 1 CreditHealth and Physical Education Credit guidelines developed by the Michigan Department of Education Modification only if student takes additional credit(s) beyond the required credits in English Language Arts, Math, Science, or World Languages 1 CreditVisual, Performing, Applied Arts Credit guidelines developed by the Michigan Department of Education Modification only if student takes additional credit(s) beyond the required credits in English Language Arts, Math, Science, or World Languages CreditsSubject AreaDescription Personal Curriculum (Modification)

Personal Curriculum CreditsSubject AreaDescription Personal Curriculum (Modification) 2 CreditsWorld Languages Begins with the Class of 2016 Credits earned in grades 9-12 OR An equivalent learning experience in grades K-12 No modification Online Learning Experience Online course or learning experience OR Online experience is incorporated into each of the required credits No modification

Sample Student Schedule - Career Technical Education Emphasis LOTE Period 6 Visual, Performing, and Applied (VPAA) Health/PE Period 5 ChemistryBiology Period 4 ScienceGov/EconUS HistoryWorld History Period 3 Math-RelatedAlgebra IIGeometryAlgebra I Period 2 English 12English 11English 10English 9 Period 1 Grade 12Grade 11Grade 10Grade 9 CTE LOTE: Languages other than English

Sample Student Schedule - Instrumental Music Emphasis Grade 9Grade 10Grade 11Grade 12 Period 1English 9English 10English 11English 12 Period 2Algebra IGeometryAlgebra IIMath-Related Period 3World HistoryUS HistoryGov/EconScience Period 4BiologyChemistryLOTEElective/Elective Period 5Health/PELOTEVPAAElective/Elective Period 6Band

7 Period Day Grade 9Grade 10Grade 11Grade 12 Period 1English 9English 10English 11English 12 Period 2Algebra IGeometryAlgebra IIMath-Related Period 3Earth ScienceBiologyPhysicsCTE or Elective Period 4World HistoryUS HistoryGovernment/EconCTE or Elective Period 5Health/PE VPAA CTE or Elective Period 6 LOTE CTE or Elective Period 7 Elective/ Elective Elective/ Elective CTE or Elective

First Semester or A Schedule Grade 9Grade 10Grade 11Grade 12 Block 1English 9English 10English 11English 12 Block 2Algebra 1GeometryAlgebra IIMath-Related Block 3Health/PELOTECTE or Elective Block 4LOTEElectiveCTE or Elective Second Semester or B Schedule Grade 9Grade 10Grade 11Grade 12 Block 1World HistoryUS HistoryPhysicsGov/ Econ Block 2BiologyChemistryCTE or Elective Block 3VPAAElectiveCTE or Elective Block 4Elective CTE or Elective 4x4 Block A/B Block

Trimester 1Grade 9Grade 10Grade 11Grade 12 Period 1English 9 AEnglish 10 ACTE or Elective Period 2Biology AUS History ACTE or Elective Period 3World History AElectiveCTE or Elective Period 4VPAA AElectiveEnglish 11 AEnglish 12 A Period 5Algebra 1 AElectiveAlgebra II AMath-Related A Trimester 2Grade 9Grade 10Grade 11Grade 12 Period 1Health/PE AElectiveCTE or Elective Period 2Biology BElectiveCTE or Elective Period 3Algebra 1 BChemistry ACTE or Elective Period 4VPAA BGeometry AAlgebra II BMath-Related B Period 5LOTE AElectiveEconomicsScience A Trimester 3Grade 9Grade 10Grade 11Grade 12 Period 1English 9 BEnglish 10 BCTE or Elective Period 2Health/PE BUS History BCTE or Elective Period 3World History BChemistry BCTE or Elective Period 4LOTE BGeometry BGovernmentEnglish 12 B Period 5Elective English 11 BScience B Trimester Schedule

Special Education All graduation requirements apply Student’s IEP supports the student to achieve graduation The IEP must identify the appropriate supports to successfully complete the Michigan Merit Curriculum or through a Personal Curriculum

Support for Students At Risk Students at risk of failure or dropping out District must provide parents information on tutoring, support, counseling services that are available, such as: –31A programs/services –Services required through NCLB (if school receives Title 1 funds) –Other school/district-based services

District Modification District must make available opportunities to meet all graduation requirements by beginning of school year (when next year’s 8 th graders enter 9 th grade) If not available in the district itself, other arrangements such as: –Co-op agreements with neighboring district(s) –Online options –Dual enrollment –Distance learning If district still cannot provide required opportunities, may apply for approval of phase-in plan –MDE to develop guidelines Phase-in, no permanent waivers

Specialty Schools State Superintendent may designate up to 15 “Specialty Schools” Exempt from the 4 ELA credits Exempt from the 3 Social Studies credits Must require 4 credits of Science, with no modification No modification of Math credits

Specialty Schools, cont’d. Must incorporate significant Reading and Writing in curriculum Specialized, innovative curriculum using national or international models Mean scores on Math and Science sections of ACT must be 10% above local district

Specialty Schools, cont’d. Must have an 85% graduation rate Must have 75% enrolled in post-secondary Students and parents must be notified if school doesn’t meet Michigan Merit graduation requirements Student transferring to another school would be required to meet graduation requirements

School Accreditation State accreditation of high schools dependent upon schools providing opportunities to meet all graduation requirements Beginning school year, no high school will be accredited unless such opportunities are provided Legislation indicates consequences for schools failing to be accredited for 3 consecutive years

MDE Obligations Develop Course/Credit Content Expectations for subject areas named in legislation Develop guidelines for: –PE/Health –Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts –Online Learning Experience –Languages other than English (experiences K-12) Minimum level of technology and internet access Alternative delivery methods District phase-in requirements

MDE Obligations, cont’d. Within 3 years develop or select and approve assessments that may be used by the district for the Course/Credit requirements (at a minimum) in: –English Language Arts –Mathematics –Science –Social Studies Develop guidelines for applications for “specialty schools”

District Obligations Opportunities in place by school year to meet all graduation requirements If not, proposal for phase-in plan Educational Development Plan for 7 th graders to be completed by time student enters high school Graduation credit areas taught by “highly qualified” (NCLB) teachers Notice to parents of students failing or in danger of dropping out Basic technology and internet access in place to support on-line requirement

Find Information on Web Michigan.gov/highschool (with link to HSCE site) Michigan.gov/hsce Michigan.gov/oeaa (MME/ACT information) Michigan.gov/mathematics (mathematics resources) ACT.org (policy makers) On Course for Success ACT.org (policy makers) Reading Between the Lines ACT.org (College Readiness Standards)

MDE Contact Information Jeremy M. Hughes, Ph.D. Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer Dr. Yvonne Caamal Canul, Director Office of School Improvement Betty Underwood, Assistant Director Office of School Improvement Deborah Clemmons, Supervisor Office of School Improvement

MDE Contact Information High School Content Expectations – Susan Codere Kelly English Language Arts HS Content Expectations – Elaine Weber Mathematics HS Content Expectations – Ruth Anne Hodges Science HS Content Expectations Kevin Richard