Michigan Legislators Support Alternatives to Algebra II for High School Curriculum

From the Red Tape Blog: Items of potential interest to government documents librarians or government information managers in Michigan. For more information contact Jon Harrison

image from: ed.gov

Michigan Legislators Support Alternatives to Algebra II for High School Curriculum

Michigan legislators made it clear today that math-related career and technical education courses could fulfill the Algebra II graduation requirement for high school students.

The bill was passed unanimously today by the state Senate; the House Education Committee also soon will take up a vote on similar legislation.

While Algebra II is still a graduation requirement, students can earn credit toward the requirement by taking CTE courses with math components like electronics, machining, construction, welding, engineering or renewable energy.

The legislation is supported by the Michigan Department of Education, Spokeswoman Jan Ellis said.

"MDE supports this legislation because it clarifies to CTE instructors, educators, parents and students that CTE courses can fulfill the Algebra II, and even other graduation requirements," Ellis said. "Students don't all learn the same way, and many would greatly benefit from learning these key subjects in CTE courses where there's hands-on examples and real work applications."

Ellis said it always has been possible to gain credit for graduation by taking CTE courses. However, it was unclear, and Ellis said this legislation explains the credit.

"We support legislation that clarifies what the department's intent has always been," she said. "Our goal is to make sure students can learn in many venues, including online courses, for example, and get credit for the graduation requirements."

Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, agreed the legislation will help clear up any misconceptions.

"We recognize that some students learn best behind a desk and other students learn best using their hands," said Kuipers, chairman of the senate education committee, who introduced the legislation. "We wanted to make clear that was an acceptable method of instruction, provided that they still hit on the same benchmarks and standards that are laid out in the high school curriculum.

"It's the right thing to do."

For the full article, see Christina Stolarz, "Legislators: Career, technical courses may fulfill Algebra II requirement", Detroit News, August 19, 2009.

For another article, see Lori Higgins, "Program gets panel's nod to fulfill math requirements", Detroit Free Press, August 19, 2009.

For another, see David Eggert, "High schoolers closer to skipping algebra II class; House panel votes in favor of financial literacy", Lansing State Journal, August 20, 2009.

This clarification of the requirement does not require a Personal Curriculum. For students with disabilities, a Personal Curriculum is a way to alter the requirements for a diploma.

More clarification to be added to this post...