1. Michigan High School Graduation Requirements
August 2006

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

3. Why…Employers Want Strong math and science backgrounds
Creative problem solvers
Effective communicators
Leadership qualities
Flexibility - ability to adapt
A minimum of 14 years of education

4. 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

5. History of High School Requirements
Cherry Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth
Yearlong study of resources, districts and best practices
State Board of Education leads the movement
Extraordinary partnership between Executive and Legislative branches

6. 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 become most comprehensive in nation
New requirements effective Class of 2011 except for Languages other than English: 2016

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

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

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

10. Overview of Michigan Merit Curriculum
2011 Requirements (2006 8th 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 (2006 3rd grade class)
2 credits/experience in Languages other than English

11. 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.

12. 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

13. What Was MDE’s Charge?
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

14. 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)

15. High School Course/Credit Content Expectations

16. Who Was Involved? Academic Work Groups Review Committees Web Review
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

17. 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

18. Course/Credit Content Expectations
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

19. 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)

20. 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

21. 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

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

23. 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

24. High School Course/Credit Guidelines

25. Course/Credit Guidelines
The Course/Credit Guidelines (CCG)
Provide high schools with general 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

26. 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

27. Physical Education/Health
Required: 1 credit
Guidelines are being developed for:
Health and Physical Education
Physical Education and Health requirements:
Must be taught by teachers with the appropriate endorsements (MA, MX or KH for health; MB, MX or SP for physical education);
May be integrated into one course if the teacher is qualified and guidelines for both health and physical education are met.

28. Online Requirement
Requirement: No credit by law requires online learning experience
Guidelines for this learning experience have been developed
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

29. Languages Other Than English
Required:
2 credits in high school
OR..
Course work or other learning experiences prior to/during high school (K-12)
American Sign Language (ASL) and Heritage Languages qualify toward this requirement
Requirement may be met on-line

30. Timeline for Course/Credit Content Expectations and Guidelines
Course/Credit Content Expectations and Guidelines will be presented to the State Board and made available on the MDE website on August 4, 2006:
English Language Arts: Units for 9th and 10th grades
Mathematics: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II,
Precalculus, Statistics
Science: Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts
Online Experience

31. 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

32. Michigan Merit Curriculum Completion Schedule
Total Number of Credits
Required Course/Credit Expectations (CCEs)
& Course/Credit Guidelines (CCGs) being Developed
by MDE
Credit/Course
Expectation Options
Being Developed by MDE
Release Date
High School
Content Expectation Completion/
4 Credits
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
April 2006
English 9, 10
August 2006
English 11,12
December 2006

33. Michigan Merit Curriculum Completion Schedule
Total Number of Credits
Required Course/Credit Expectations (CCEs)
& Course/Credit Guidelines (CCGs) being Developed
by MDE
Credit/Course
Expectation Options
Being Developed by MDE
Release Date
High School
Content Expectation Completion/
4 Credits
MATHEMATICS
April 2006
Algebra I
August 2006
Algebra II
Geometry
Plus 1 additional credit
Precalculus
Statistics & Probability
Integrated Math
September 2006

34. Michigan Merit Curriculum Completion Schedule
Total Number of Credits
Required Course/Credit Expectations (CCEs)
& Course/Credit Guidelines (CCGs) being Developed
by MDE
Credit/Course
Expectation Options
Being Developed by MDE
Release Date
High School
Content Expectation Completion/
3 Credits
SCIENCE
DRAFT August 2006 Pending Board Approval
Biology
August 2006
Chemistry or
Physics
Plus 1 additional credit
Earth Science

35. Michigan Merit Curriculum Completion Schedule
Total Number of Credits
Required Course/Credit Expectations (CCEs)
& Course/Credit Guidelines (CCGs) being Developed
by MDE
Credit/Course
Expectation Options
Being Developed by MDE
Release Date
High School
Content Expectation Completion/
3 Credits
SOCIAL STUDIES
July 2007
Civics
Economics
US History & Geography
World History & Geography

36. Michigan Merit Curriculum Completion Schedule
Total Number of Credits
Required Course/Credit Expectations (CCEs)
& Course/Credit Guidelines (CCGs) being Developed
by MDE
Credit/Course
Expectation Options
Being Developed by MDE
Release Date
High School
Content Expectation Completion/
1 Credit
VISUAL, PERFORMING AND APPLIED ARTS
(Guidelines)
DRAFT August 2006 Pending Board Approval
PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION
Non-Credit or Credit
ONLINE EXPERIENCE
DRAFT August 2006 for
Public Comment
2 Credits in Grades or Equivalent K-12 Experience
LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH (LOTE) Beginning with Class of 2016
July 2007

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

38. 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

39. 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)

40. 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

41. 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

42. Michigan Merit Curriculum Assessments
By April 2009 the MDE must develop or select and approve assessments districts may use 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

43. Michigan Merit Curriculum Assessments
Local districts may use own assessments to measure achievement in credits
New law authorizes local district to institute Michigan Merit Exam (MME) as graduation requirement

44. Personal Curriculum
Must meet high school requirements except as designated by law
Graduation requirements may be modified through the “Personal Curriculum”

45. 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 specified
Should incorporate as much of graduation requirements as practicable

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

47. Personal Curriculum Credits Subject Area Description 4 Credits
(Modification)
4 Credits
English Language Arts
Aligned with subject area content expectations developed by the Department and approved by the State Board of Education
No modification
Mathematics
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
Complete Algebra 2 over 2 years with credit given for each year

48. Personal Curriculum Credits Subject Area Description No modification
Science
Biology
Chemistry or Physics
1 additional Science credit
No modification
Social 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 Credit
Health 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

49. Personal Curriculum Credits Subject Area Description 1 Credit
(Modification)
1 Credit
Visual, 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
2 Credits
World 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
Online experience is incorporated into each of the required credits

50. Sample Student Schedule - Career Technical Education Emphasis
LOTE
Period 6
Visual, Performing, and Applied (VPAA)
Health/PE
Period 5
Chemistry
Biology
Period 4
Science
Gov/Econ
US History
World History
Period 3
Math-Related
Algebra II
Geometry
Algebra I
Period 2
English 12
English 11
English 10
English 9
Period 1
Grade 12
Grade 11
Grade 10
Grade 9
CTE
CTE
LOTE: Languages other than English

51. Sample Student Schedule - Instrumental Music Emphasis
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
Period 1
English 9
English 10
English 11
English 12
Period 2
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Math-Related
Period 3
World History
US History
Gov/Econ
Science
Period 4
Biology
Chemistry
LOTE
Elective/Elective
Period 5
Health/PE
VPAA
Period 6
Band

52. 7 Period Day Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 VPAA LOTE Elective/
English 9
English 10
English 11
English 12
Period 2
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Math-Related
Period 3
Earth Science
Biology
Physics
CTE or Elective
Period 4
World History
US History
Government/Econ
Period 5
Health/PE
VPAA
Period 6
LOTE
Period 7
Elective/
Elective
CTE or Elective

53. 4x4 Block A/B Block First Semester or A Schedule Grade 9 Grade 10
English 9
English 10
English 11
English 12
Block 2
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra II
Math-Related
Block 3
Health/PE
LOTE
CTE or Elective
Block 4
Elective
Second Semester or B Schedule
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
Block 1
World History
US History
Physics
Gov/ Econ
Block 2
Biology
Chemistry
CTE or Elective
Block 3
VPAA
Elective
Block 4
CTE or Elective

54. Trimester Schedule Trimester 1 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
Period 1
English 9 A
English 10 A
CTE or Elective
Period 2
Biology A
US History A
Period 3
World History A
Elective
Period 4
VPAA A
English 11 A
English 12 A
Period 5
Algebra 1 A
Algebra II A
Math-Related A
Trimester 2
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
Period 1
Health/PE A
Elective
CTE or Elective
Period 2
Biology B
Period 3
Algebra 1 B
Chemistry A
Period 4
VPAA B
Geometry A
Algebra II B
Math-Related B
Period 5
LOTE A
Economics
Science A
Trimester 3
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
Period 1
English 9 B
English 10 B
CTE or Elective
Period 2
Health/PE B
US History B
Period 3
World History B
Chemistry B
Period 4
LOTE B
Geometry B
Government
English 12 B
Period 5
Elective
English 11 B
Science B

55. 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

56. 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

57. District Modification
District must make available opportunities to meet all graduation requirements by beginning of school year (when next year’s 8th graders enter 9th 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

58. District Modification
If district still can not provide required opportunities, may apply for approval of phase-in plan
MDE to develop guidelines
Phase-in, no permanent waivers
If district can not meet requirements, MDE will work with district to develop plan

59. 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

60. 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

61. 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

62. 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
Law provides for consequences for schools failing to be accredited for 3 consecutive years

63. 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)
Alternative delivery methods
District phase-in requirements

64. 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”

65. District Obligations
Opportunities in place by school year to meet all graduation requirements
If not, proposal for phase-in plan
Educational Development Plan for 7th graders to be completed by time student enters high school

66. District Obligations, cont’d.
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

67. 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)

68. 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
Deborah Clemmons, Supervisor