Commonly Asked Questions About the New High School Reform Efforts

The following is a set of frequently asked questions and answers about Michigan’s new high school curriculum requirements, also known as the Michigan Merit Curriculum, which go into effect starting with the freshman class of 2011, this year’s eighth graders.

Q. What’s the difference between the state’s current graduation requirements and the new Michigan Merit Curriculum high school graduation requirements?

A: Prior to the passage of the Michigan Merit Curriculum, the state of Michigan required only one semester of Civics for high school graduation. The new law, which goes into effect beginning with the Class of 2011 or students entering eighth grade in 2006, is designed for the 21st Century student. The curriculum is required of each and every student. It supports the need for personalization, acceleration, and innovation in an atmosphere of high expectations and strong support for students. The Michigan Merit Curriculum is crafted around the philosophical belief that all students will need extended learning opportunities beyond high school. As the learning skills for college and the workplace have merged, this curriculum can take students wherever life leads them in the future.

Q: Don’t most school districts already have similar graduation requirements?

A: While most districts have adopted specific graduation requirements, the number and type of credits vary widely throughout the state. The state mandated Michigan Merit Curriculum will provide all students a common set of credit requirements for graduation and will provide educators with a common understanding of what student's should know and be able to do for credit.

Q: Does the Michigan Merit Curriculum allow decisions to be made by local school districts?

A: Yes. Local school districts will continue to issue diplomas, align curriculum, determine what constitutes a credit, establish a credit awarding system, identify or develop assessments, set school calendars, select and purchase textbooks, etc. Districts may also establish additional graduation requirements. In other words, local school boards and districts will continue to have flexibility to determine “how" to implement these new graduation requirements, while the Michigan Department of Education will continue to guide districts by developing "what" students should know and be able to do for credit under the Michigan Merit Curriculum.

Q: Different school districts vary the ways in which they schedule their high school class day. Will these new requirements force districts to change their high school class day schedules?

A: No. There is flexibility provided to school districts to maintain their current scheduling system, or to develop other systems to meet the individual needs and desires of each district.

Q: Will the Michigan Merit Curriculum reduce the number of electives students may take?

A: The Michigan Merit Curriculum continues to allow each school district to determine the number of electives offered to their students. It also provides students the flexibility to select additional electives and/or earn merit core credits through online courses, by testing out, attending summer school, and other local options.

Q: How can a student earn credit?

A: Students may earn credit if they successfully complete subject area content expectations or guidelines for the credit. The assignment of credit must be based, at least in part, on student performance on subject area assessments, which measure the extent to which students meet the credit expectations and guidelines. Beyond earning credit through a traditional course setting, a student may earn a credit in a variety of ways, for example:

• Through a related course(s) in which content standards are embedded (e.g., math standards embedded in a career-technical program, industrial technology course, or vocational course).
• Through non-traditional course work (developed by teacher).
• Independent teacher-guided study.
• By testing out.

In addition, the district may allow students to satisfy credit requirements through:

• Dual Enrollment.
• Advanced Placement Courses.
• International Baccalaureate or other “early college” experiences or programs.

Q: Why can’t we take longer to implement new graduation requirements—it feels like we are rushing toward this change?

A: Michigan’s economic future is on the line. Today, far too many students are graduating high school without the knowledge and skills they will need to be successful in college or the workplace. The implementation of this new curriculum will not only help students but will benefit the state as a whole.

Q: Will this push some struggling students to drop out rather attempt to meet the demands of a harder curriculum?

A: Research tells us that students do not drop out because they have a more rigorous curriculum or are asked to work harder. Rather, studies show students of all abilities are more likely to pass high-level courses than low-level courses, graduate from school, get better grades, succeed in college without requiring remedial education classes, be better prepared for the workforce and earn higher wages. For more information, visit www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/pi/hsinit/papers/highex.doc.

Q: What about students who receive special education services? Will they all be expected to take a college-prep curriculum?

A: Students in special education are general education students first and by law must be given access to, and support for success in, the general curriculum. Studies show that students are more likely to pass high-level than low-level high school courses. However, some high school students are going to need support to meet more rigorous high school graduation requirements. All students receiving special education services in Michigan must have an individualized education program (IEP) that details the appropriate education plan of support for student success. The State Board of Education firmly believes that students in special education can learn and participate in the general education setting, and that students in special education should be given every opportunity to be successful in the Michigan Merit Curriculum.

Q: Can students in middle school receive high school credit for coursework done prior to high school?

A: The law states that credit must be given if the coursework taken prior to entering high school meets the state’s high school course content expectations and the student is assessed for the same level of proficiency as required in high school.

To learn more, visit: www.michigan.gov/highschool.

Source: Michigan Department of Education.