michigan high school graduation requirements july 2006

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 (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

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 CohenPresident 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 ArtsMathematicsScienceSocial 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

• 3rd credit to be selected from district or online options, and/or dual enrollment

• Legislation encourages 4th 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 schoolOR..

– 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 9th and 10th 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 7th grade)

• Final plan must be approved by parents and district superintendent

• Parents must communicate with teachers once each quarter to assess progress

Personal Curriculum

Credits

Subject Area Description Personal Curriculum(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

4 Credits

Mathematics Algebra IGeometry Algebra II1 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 IIOR•Complete a two year Career and Technical education curriculum which includes .5 credit of Algebra II contentOR•Complete Algebra 2 over 2 years with credit given for each year

Personal Curriculum

3 Credits Science BiologyChemistry or Physics1 additional Science credit

No modification

3 Credits Social Studies .5 Civics.5 EconomicsUS History and GeographyWorld History and Geography

No modification of Civics2 credits must be earnedModified 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

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

Credits Subject Area Description Personal Curriculum(Modification)

Personal Curriculum

Credits Subject Area Description Personal Curriculum(Modification)

2 Credits World Languages

Begins with the Class of 2016Credits earned in grades 9-12 ORAn equivalent learning experience in grades K-12

No modification

Online Learning Experience

Online course or learning experienceOROnline experience is incorporated into each of the required credits

No modification

Sample Student Schedule - Career Technical Education Emphasis

LOTELOTEPeriod 6

Visual, Performing, and Applied (VPAA)

Health/PEPeriod 5

ChemistryBiologyPeriod 4

ScienceGov/EconUS HistoryWorld HistoryPeriod 3

Math-RelatedAlgebra IIGeometryAlgebra IPeriod 2

English 12English 11English 10English 9Period 1

Grade 12Grade 11Grade 10Grade 9

CTE CTE

LOTE: Languages other than English

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 LOTE VPAA Elective/Elective

Period 6 Band Band Band Band

7 Period Day

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 Earth Science Biology Physics CTE or Elective

Period 4 World History US History Government/Econ CTE or Elective

Period 5 Health/PE VPAA CTE or Elective CTE or Elective

Period 6 LOTE LOTE CTE or Elective CTE or Elective

Period 7 Elective/Elective

Elective/Elective

CTE or Elective CTE or Elective

First Semester or A Schedule

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Block 1 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 CTE or Elective

Block 4 LOTE Elective CTE or Elective CTE or 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 CTE or Elective

Block 3 VPAA Elective CTE or Elective CTE or Elective

Block 4 Elective Elective CTE or Elective CTE or Elective

4x4 Block A/B Block

Trimester 1 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Period 1 English 9 A English 10 A CTE or Elective CTE or Elective

Period 2 Biology A US History A CTE or Elective CTE or Elective

Period 3 World History A Elective CTE or Elective CTE or Elective

Period 4 VPAA A Elective English 11 A English 12 A

Period 5 Algebra 1 A Elective 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 CTE or Elective

Period 2 Biology B Elective CTE or Elective CTE or Elective

Period 3 Algebra 1 B Chemistry A CTE or Elective CTE or Elective

Period 4 VPAA B Geometry A Algebra II B Math-Related B

Period 5 LOTE A Elective Economics Science A

Trimester 3 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Period 1 English 9 B English 10 B CTE or Elective CTE or Elective

Period 2 Health/PE B US History B CTE or Elective CTE or Elective

Period 3 World History B Chemistry B CTE or Elective CTE or Elective

Period 4 LOTE B Geometry B Government English 12 B

Period 5 Elective Elective English 11 B Science 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 2007-08 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

• 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 2008-09 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 2007-08 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

• 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 WebMichigan.gov/highschool (with link to HSCE site)http://www.michigan.gov/highschool

Michigan.gov/hsce http://www.michigan.gov/hsce

Michigan.gov/oeaa (MME/ACT information)http://michigan.gov/oeaa

Michigan.gov/mathematics (mathematics resources)http://www.michigan.gov/mathematics

ACT.org (policy makers) On Course for Successhttp://www.act.org/path/policy/pdf/success_report.pdf

ACT.org (policy makers) Reading Between the Lineshttp://www.act.org/path/policy/reports/reading.html

ACT.org (College Readiness Standards)http://www.act.org/standard/index.html

MDE Contact Information

Jeremy M. Hughes, Ph.D.Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic OfficerHughesj@michigan.gov

Dr. Yvonne Caamal Canul, DirectorOffice of School ImprovementCanuly@michigan.gov

Betty Underwood, Assistant DirectorOffice of School ImprovementUnderwoodb@michigan.gov

Deborah Clemmons, SupervisorOffice of School ImprovementClemmonsd@michigan.gov

MDE Contact Information

High School Content Expectations – Susan Codere KellyCodereS@michigan.gov

English Language Arts HS Content Expectations – Elaine Weber eweber@misd.net

Mathematics HS Content Expectations – Ruth Anne Hodges HodgesRA@michigan.gov

Science HS Content ExpectationsKevin Richard richardke@michigan.gov