From the Office of the Governor

Michigan’s economic future is on the line. Establishing a rigorous, required curriculum for Michigan high school students is vital to improving our state’s economic outlook. The recommended new high school curriculum requirements offered by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael Flanagan and the State Board of Education will ensure that more students are prepared for the jobs of the future.

We need to “up the ante” on our expectations of young people in the global economy. The states with the highest number of college graduates are also the states with the lowest unemployment rates and strongest economies. That is why my goal is to double the number of citizens in Michigan with college degrees or comparable credentials within the next ten years. To do this we must demand the highest possible curriculum and standards designed to get all of our students on the road to higher education and good paying jobs. All of our kids can do this. I believe in our kids.

I want to commend Superintendent Flanagan and the State Board of Education for their hard work and willingness to take this historic step. Our children and our great state will reap the benefits for decades to come.