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 – True for Milan High!
Michigan’s economic success is tied to a well-educated workforce

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. MHS Current Requirements
4.5 years of English (Speech)
3 years of Math, Science
4 years of Social Studies
1 credit of PE (half waived for participation)
Half Credit of Advisory, Technology, Health
5 Credits of Pathways (Jr. & Sr. Year)
Completion of MEAP test (Student must earn a 1 or 2, or continue to attempt)

7. Changes affecting MHS Science Math Visual/Fine/Applied
Biology, Chem/Physics vs. Life/Physical Sciences
Math
Algebra II requirement
Math in Senior Year
Visual/Fine/Applied
vs. Career Pathways Credits
Social Studies
Geography concern PE
Credit for Participation
Earning Credits at MMS, Symons, Etc

8. 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 (9 & 10 approved / 11 & 12 by January)
Mathematics (approved)
Science (approval pending)
Social Studies (July 2007)
Subject Area/Learning Experience Guidelines for:
Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts (approved)
Physical Education/Health (approved)
Online Learning (pending approval)
Languages other than English (2007)

9. 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

10. Languages Other Than English
Required for 2016:
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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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”

25. 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

26. MAS’s Next Steps
Build MAS Graduation Plan for students in 2011 and beyond!
Move from current graduation requirements to new requirement!
Form committee with all voices invested in the process!
Bring community plan to school board this spring!

27. Graduation Requirements
Questions???
Volunteers – come on up and sign in!

28. 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)