State of Michigan - Improved High School Graduation Requirements
To prepare Michigan’s students with the skills and knowledge needed for the jobs of the 21st Century global economy, the State of Michigan has enacted a rigorous new set of statewide graduation requirements.
The new graduation standards will be required starting with the Class of 2011
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Michigan Merit Curriculum
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Number of Credits
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Curriculum Area
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Required Content
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4 Credits
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Mathematics
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Algebra I; Geometry, Algebra II; including one credit in Senior Year
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4 Credits
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English Language Arts
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Aligned with subject area content expectations developed by state Dept. of Education
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3 Credits
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Science
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Biology; Physics or Chemistry; one additional Science credit
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3 Credits
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Social Studies
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.5 credit in Civics;
.5 credit in Economics;
U.S. History and Geography; World History and Geography
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1 Credit
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Physical Education/Health
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Credit guidelines to be developed by state Dept. of Education
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1 Credit
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Visual, Performing, Applied Arts
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Credit guidelines to be developed by state Dept. of Education
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16 Credits – which could be acquired through Career and Technical Education programs
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Additional Graduation Requirements:
On-line Learning Experience – Students must take an on-line course or learning experience; OR have the on-line learning experience incorporated into each of the required credits of the Michigan Merit Curriculum.
World Languages – Beginning with the Class of 2016 (Third graders in Fall 2006), students will need to complete 2 Credits of a World Language in grades 9-12; OR have an equivalent learning experience in grades K-12.