Michigan Merit Curriculum: High School Graduation Requirements

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

Michigan Merit Curriculum

High School Graduation Requirements

Updated September 2017

Michigan Merit Curriculum

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................................ 1

Michigan High School Graduation Requirements (18 Credits) ......................................... 1

General Overview .................................................................................................... 2

Earning Credit ......................................................................................................... 3

What the Michigan Merit Curriculum Law Says .......................................................... 3

Content Standards and Guidelines ............................................................................. 6

English Language Arts (ELA) .................................................................................. 6

Mathematics ........................................................................................................ 6

Online Learning Experience .................................................................................... 9

Physical Education and Health .............................................................................. 10

Science ............................................................................................................. 12

Social Studies ..................................................................................................... 13

Visual, Performing and Applied Arts....................................................................... 15

World Language ................................................................................................. 16

Career/Technical Education (CTE) ......................................................................... 17

Michigan Merit Curriculum 1

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

Introduction

The Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) is crafted around the philosophical belief that all

students will need post-secondary learning opportunities beyond high school. It is not a

curriculum in the traditional sense in that it doesn’t describe instructional materials and

approaches. Instead it specifies that all students who earn a diploma, at a minimum, have

demonstrated proficiency with the content outlined by the state academic standards or

guidelines. Since districts are responsible for awarding diplomas so too are they

responsible for providing all students the oppor

tunit

y to learn the content outlined by the

standards. As the learning skills for college and the workplace have merged, the MMC, if

properly implemented, will prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed to be

successful in our global economy and an emerging workforce. The MMC supports the need

for personalization, acceleration, and innovation in an atmosphere of high expectations

and high support for students earning a diploma in Michigan.

Michigan High School Graduation Requirements (18 Credits)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA) – 4 Credits

• Proficiency in State Content Standards for ELA (4 credits)

MATHEMATICS – 4 Credits

• Proficiency in State Content Standards for Mathematics (3 credits); and

• Proficiency in district approved 4th Mathematics credit options (1 credit) (Student MUST

have a Math experience in their final year of high school.)

ONLINE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

• Course, Learning, or Integrated Learning Experience.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION & HEALTH – 1 Credit

• Proficiency in State Content Standards for Physical Education and Health (1 credit); or

• Proficiency with State Content Standards for Health (1/2 credit) and district approved extra-

curricular activities involving physical activities (1/2 credit).

SCIENCE – 3 Credits

• Proficiency in State Content Standards for Science (3 credits); or

• Beginning with the Class of 2015: Proficiency in some State Content Standards for Science

(2 credits) and completion of a Department approved formal Career and Technical Education

(CTE) program (1 credit).

SOCIAL STUDIES – 3 Credits

• Proficiency in State Content Standards for Social Studies (3 credits).

VISUAL, PERFORMING, AND APPLIED ARTS – 1 Credit

• Proficiency in State Content Standards for Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts (1 credit).

WORLD LANGUAGE – 2 Credits (Effective with students entering 3rd Grade in 2006)

• Formal coursework or an equivalent learning experience in Grades K-12 (2 credits); or

• Formal coursework or an equivalent learning experience in Grades K-12 (1 credit) and

completion of a Department approved formal Career and Technical Education program or an

additional visual, performing, and applied arts credit (1 credit).

Michigan Merit Curriculum 2

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

General Overview

1. How does the Michigan Merit Curriculum impact local school district

decisions?

The MMC gives districts the flexibility to develop courses, curricula, and systems,

which meet the individual needs and desires of each district. Local school boards, in

collaboration district administration, have the responsibility to determine “how" to

implement the graduation requirements outlined by the MMC and when students

have earned the appropriate credits.

Local boards of edu

cation can establish additional graduation requirements beyond

those in the MMC and the total number of credits required for graduation. However,

a district cannot establish lesser requirements. [See also Earning Credit]

2. Which students must meet the requirements of the MMC to receive a

diploma?

Districts must ensure that any student who entered 8th Grade in 2006 year and

wishes to receive a high school diploma from a public school must meet the

requirements of the MMC. This includes alternative and adult education students.

Modifications can be made to the MMC based on student needs (see Personal

Curriculum Options).

Students seeking a General Educational Development (GED) are not subject to the

MMC requirements since the GED is an equivalency diploma issued by the U. S.

government and is subject to its own criteria. Except for the one semester credit

requirement in Civics/Government, non-public and home schools can set their own

graduation criteria and are not required to ensure that students have met the

requirements of the MMC.

3. What is an Educational Development Plan (EDP)?

The Michigan Merit Curriculum legislation 380.1278b (11) states:

The bo

ard of a school district or board of directors of a public school academy shall

provide the opportunity for each pupil to develop an educational development plan

during 7

Grade, and shall ensure that each pupil reviews his or her educational

development plan during 8

Grade and revises it as appropriate before he or she

begins high school. An educational development plan shall be developed, reviewed,

and revised by the pupil under the supervision of the pupil's school counselor or

another designee qualified to act in a counseling role under Section 1233 or 1233a

selected by the school principal and shall be based on high

hool readiness scores

and a career pathways program or similar career exploration program. An

Michigan Merit Curriculum 3

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

educational development plan shall be designed to assist pupils to identify career

development goals as they relate to academic requirements. During the process of

developing and reviewing a pupil's educational development plan, the pupil shall be

advised that many of the curricular requirements of this Section and Section 1278a

may be fulfilled through Career and Technical Education (CTE).

It is up to the

district to determine processes and timelines for implementing this

requirement. The Department has developed guidelines for the use of EDPs at the

following link: http://bit.ly/2xLVgnH [See also Personal Curriculum Options

]

Earning Credit

What the Michigan Merit Curriculum Law Says

380.1278(a) (4)(a) A pupil is considered to have completed a credit if the pupil

successfully completes the subject area

content expectations or guidelines developed by

the Department that apply to the credit. For a Career and Technical

ducation (CTE) credit,

a school district or public school academy may supplement those content expectations and

guidelines

with additional guidelines developed by the school district or public school

academy.

380.1278(a) (4)(b) A school district or public school academy shall base its determination

of whether a student has

successfully completed the subject area content expectations or

guidelines developed by the Department that apply to a

credit at least in part on the

student’s performance on the assessments developed or selected by the Department or on

one or more assessments developed or selected by the school district or public school

academy that measure a student’s

understanding of the subject area content expectations

or guidelines that apply to the credit.

380.1278(a) (4)(c) A school district or public school academy shall also grant a pupil a

credit if the pupil earns a

qualifying score, as determined by the Department, on the

assessments developed or selected for the subject area by the

Department under Section

1278b or the pupil earns a qualifying score, as determined by the school district or public

school academy, on 1 or more assessments developed or selected by the school district or

public school academy that

measure a pupil's understanding of the subject area content

expectations or guidelines that apply to the credit.

380.1278(b) (2) If a pupil successfully completes one or more of the high school credits

required under Subsection (1) or

under Section 1278a(1) before entering high school, the

pupil shall be given high school credit for that credit.

380.1278(b) (7) The board of a school district or board of directors of a public school

academy that operates a high

school

shall ensure that each pupil is offered the curriculum

Michigan Merit Curriculum 4

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

necessary for the pupil to meet the curricular requirements

this Section and Section

1278a. The board or board of directors may provide this curriculum by providing the

credits

specified in this Section and Section 1278a, by using alternative instructional

delivery methods such as alternative course

work, humanities course sequences, CTE,

industrial technology courses, or vocational

education, or by a combination of these.

School districts and public school academies that operate CTE programs are encouraged to

integrate the credit requirements of this Section and Section 1278a into those

programs.

380.1278(b) (14) This Section and Section 1278a do not prohibit a pupil from satisfying or

exceeding the credit

requirements of the Michigan merit standard under this Section and

Section 1278a through advanced studies such as

accelerated course placement, advanced

placement, dual enrollment in a postsecondary institution, or participation in

the

international baccalaureate program or an early college/middle college program.

1. What counts as a credit under the Michigan Merit Curriculum?

The MMC requires that credit be awarded based on a student’s demonstration that

he or she has successfully met the content expectations for the credit area, not by

the commonly used Carnegie unit, which is based on seat time. The

subject area

standards, expectations or guidelines outline the content required for earning the

total credit in each content area as specified in the legislation. Districts determine

the credit pathway options. A district may choose to assign a full subject area credit to

a course; or they may choose to design courses and learning experiences for students

that provide opportunities for students to earn partial credit in one or more content

areas.

2. How can students earn credit?

Students may earn credit if they successfully demonstrate mastery of the

subject

area content standards, expectations or guidelines for the credit. The assignment of

credit must be based, at least in part, on student performance on assessments

designed to measure the extent to which they meet the standards, expectations and

guidelines. Assessments and criteria for success are determined by local districts. In

addition to traditional course pathways, schools can also offer credit-bearing

learning opportunities in a variety of ways, including:

• Integrated Content and Course Sequences;

• Project-based Learning;

• Independent Teacher-guided Study; or

• Testing out

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

• Career and Technical Education

;

Michigan Merit Curriculum 5

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

• Work-based Learning Programs;

• College

Coursework;

• Early College;

• Advanced Placement Courses;

• International Baccalaureate Courses; or

• On-line classes.

How do the NCAA rules impact district-level course decisions?

Because courses utilizing flexible learning options are designed and delivered locally,

the NCAA suggests that those considering such visit the NCAA Eligibility Center and

read the Non-traditional Course FAQ.

If districts feel that the non-traditional course

being offered students meets the requirements listed, districts may call (877) 622-

2321 for review.

3. Will colleges accept students who earn credit through non-traditional

classes, such as integrated Mathematics or project-based learning?

Colleges and universities see a variety of transcripts from multiple states and

countries that vary in course name and format of reporting. Individual institutes of

higher education make the ultimate determination in accepting students. Districts

may want to contact the institutes for clarification on their application

requirements. More information regarding transcripts can be found here.

4. Do we have to worry about “double-dipping”; in other words, can a course

count towards credit in more than one content area?

Yes, courses can be used to grant more than one credit. Since credit is based on

student proficiency with the content, how and where they learn the content has no

bearing on credit as long as students satisfactorily demonstrate proficiency on

district-determined measures. For instance, a student who takes a class that

addresses both physics and mathematics concepts should be able to earn partial, or

full, credit in both subjects once they demonstrate knowledge of the content.

Michigan Merit Curriculum 6

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

Content Standards and Guidelines

English Language Arts (ELA)

What the Michigan Merit Curriculum Law Says:

Sec. 1278b (1) Except as otherwise provided in this Section or Section 1278a, beginning

with pupils entering 8

Grade in

2006, as part of the requirements under Section 1278a

the board of a school district or board of directors of a public

school academy shall not

award a high school diploma to a pupil unless the pupil has successfully completed all of

the

following credit requirements of the Michigan merit standard before graduating from

high school:

(a) At least 4 credits in English Language Arts that are aligned with subject area content

expectations developed by

the Department and approved by the State Board under

this Section.

Sec. 1278b (5)(f) The English Language Arts credit requirements of Subsection (1)(a) and

the Science credit requirements of Subsection (1)(b) are not subject to modification as part

of a personal curriculum under this Subsection.

1. What are the required courses for ELA?

There are no required courses. Students must earn at least 4 credits in ELA that are

aligned with subject area standards for the English Language Arts

. Students may

earn this credit in traditional reading and writing courses, but they may also earn

credit through courses that integrate in the ELA standards. For more information

see the

ELA Credit Guidelines. ELA credit requirements cannot be modified with a

personal curriculum.

Mathematics

What the Michigan Merit Curriculum Law Says:

Sec 1278a (1)(a)(i) At least 4 credits in Mathematics that are aligned with subject area

content expectations developed

by the Department and approved by the State Board

under Section 1278b, including completion of at least Algebra I,

eometry, and Algebra II,

or an integrated sequence of this course content that consists of 3 credits, and an

additional

Mathematics credit, such as Trigonometry, Statistics, Pre-Calculus, Calculus,

Applied Math, Accounting, Business Math, a

retake of Algebra II, or a course in Financial

Literacy as described in Section 1165. A pupil may complete Algebra II over 2

years with 2

credits awarded or over 1.5 years with 1.5 credits awarded for the purposes of this Section

and Section

1278b. A pupil also may partially or fully fulfill the algebra II requirement by

completing a Department-approved formal Career and Technical Education (CTE) program

or curriculum, that has appropriate embedded Mathematics content, such as a

program or

Michigan Merit Curriculum 7

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

curriculum in Electronics, Machining, Construction, Welding, Engineering, Computer

Science, or Renewable

nergy and in that program or curriculum successfully completing

the same content as the Algebra II benchmarks

assessed on the Department-prescribed

state high school assessment, as determined by the Department. Each pupil

must

successfully complete at least 1 Mathematics course during his or her final year of high

school enrollment. This

subparagraph does not require completion of Mathematics courses

in any particular sequence.

Sec. 1278b 5(g) The Mathematics credit requirements of Section 1278a (1)(a)(i) may be

modified as part of a personal

curriculum if the pupil successfully completes at least 3-1/2

total credits of the Mathematics credits required under that

section

before completing high

school, including Algebra I and Geometry, and successfully completes at least 1

Mathematics credit during his or her final 2 years of high school. The Algebra II credit

required under that section may

be modified as part of a personal curriculum under this

subsection if the pupil meets 1 or more of the following:

(i) Successfully completes the same content as 1 semester of Algebra II, as

determined by the Department.

(ii) Elects to complete the same content as Algebra II over 2 years, with a credit

awarded for each of those 2 years, and

successfully completes that content.

(iii) Enrolls in a formal CTE program or curriculum and in that program or curriculum

successfully completes the same content as 1 semester of the Algebra II

benchmarks assessed on the Department-

prescribed state high school

assessment, as determined by the Department.

(iv) Successfully completes 1 semester of Statistics, or Functions and Data Analysis,

or Technical Mathematics.

1. What are the required courses for mathematics?

There are no required courses. Students must earn at least 3 credits in

mathematics that are aligned with

subject area standards approved by the State

Board. Each pupil must successfully complete at least one mathematics or

mathematics-related credit during his or her final year of high school enrollment.

This credit can be earned through any course or experience where students are

applying mathematics. For more information see the

Mathematics Credit Guidelines.

2. Does mathematics have to be taught in a traditional course sequence?

No. The law specifically states that the standards can be taught in an integrated

sequence (see legislation cited above). Furthermore, 380.1278(b) (7)

states “The

board of a school district or board of directors of a public school academy that

Michigan Merit Curriculum 8

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

operates a high school … may provide this curriculum by providing the credits

specified in this section and Section 1278a, by using alternative instructional

delivery methods such as alternative course work, Humanities course sequences,

Career and Technical Education (CTE), Industrial Technology courses, or Vocational

Education, or by a combination of these. School districts and public school

academies that operate CTE programs are encouraged to integrate the credit

requirements of this Section and Section 1278a into those programs.”

3. What is the difference between the 4th mathematics credit and the final

year mathematics course requirement?

In many cases the 4th mathematics credit and the final year mathematics

requirement are one and the same. For instance, students who complete the

required mathematics content standards by the end of their junior year will probably

complete their 4

credit in their senior year. Similarly, traditional course-taking

students electing to take Algebra II over 2 years for 2 credits will probably take the

year of Algebra II in their senior year.

However, the 4

mathematics credit is not necessarily synonymous with the final

year math credit. The intent of the final year math credit is that students are doing

some sort of mathematics in their senior year regardless of whether they have

already met the 4 credit requirement.

4. Does the 4

credit/final year mathematics course need to be an actual

mathematics course?

No. The law provides local districts with the flexibility to determine what counts for

the 4

/final year mathematics credit, including the content and duration. It does not

need to be aligned with the mathematics standards because those are covered in

the other 3 credits. The credit could be in a basic or an applied math area, such as

Business Math, Accounting, Pre-algebra, etc. The course could also be an advanced

mathematics course such as Pre-calculus, or college-level courses through dual

enrollment or early middle college programs. Non-mathematics courses or

experiences where students apply mathematics can also counts as the 4

credit/Senior year mathematics course such as computer programming, science or

art courses; Career and Technical Education (CTE), work study program, or

practicum where the students are using the mathematics they have already learned.

5. What is considered the “final year” in the context of the mathematics credit

for students in Early Middle College?

Early middle college students must take a mathematics or math-related course in

their 5

year.

Michigan Merit Curriculum 9

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

6. What is technical mathematics?

Districts determine content, structure, and delivery of mathematics courses. In

addition, districts are responsible for ensuring that students demonstrate proficiency

in Michigan’s Mathematics Standards. Therefore, districts decide what mathematics

to include in a technical mathematics course, just as they do with any other

mathematics course.

7. In order to replace a mathematics credit with Department-approved formal

Career and Technical Education (CTE) program or curriculum, how do

districts determine what mathematics content needs to be embedded so

that the content is the same as the “Algebra II benchmarks assessed on

the Department-prescribed state high school assessment?”

There are no specified “Algebra II b

enchmarks” on the state high school

assessment. The current Department-prescribed state high school assessment is

the SAT, administered in the spring of students’ junior year, which does not specify

the standards assessed by courses.

Because of the specificity in the legislation regarding the exchange of Algebra II

with a formal CTE program, there is no difference between exchanging the Algebra

II credit and earning Algebra II credit through the integration of the Mathematics

into a CTE program or class. Districts are encouraged to use the

Mathematics Credit

Guidelines to ensure that students have the opportunity to learn all of the

Mathematics standards before they graduate whether they are enrolled in a formal

CTE program or not.

Online Learning Experience

What the Michigan Merit Curriculum Law Says:

1278b (1)(b) Meets the online course or learning experience requirement of this

Subsection. A school district or public

school academy shall provide the basic level of

technology and internet access required by the State Board to complete

the online course

or learning experience. For a pupil to meet this requirement, the pupil shall meet either of

the

following, as determined by the school district or public school academy:

(i) Has successfully completed at least 1 course or learning experience that is

presented online, as defined by

the Department.

(ii) The pupil's school district or public school academy has integrated an online

experience throughout the high

school curriculum by ensuring that each teacher

of each course that provides the required credits of the

Michigan merit curriculum

has integrated an online experience into the course.

Michigan Merit Curriculum 10

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

1. What are the specific requirements for online learning and courses?

Students must successfully complete at least 1 online course or learning experience.

The Michigan Department of Education has developed

Online Learning Guidelines

that describe in more detail the options for fulfilling this requirement.

2. Can the online learning requirement be met prior to 9th Grade?

Yes, the requirement may be satisfied by an online experience at the middle school

level, but students are encouraged to continue with online learning throughout high

school.

3. Does the online learning experience need to go on a transcript?

While districts will need to assure students complete this requirement, the law does

not mandate that a student be given credit for this experience or this experience be

recorded on a transcript.

4. Can a

student taking a class, which the district has determined meets the

online learning requirements, test out of both the class and the online

requirement?

No. While a student may test out of a subject or course required by the Michigan

High School Graduation Requirements, the law does not mention testing out of the

online requirement. The online requirement is unlike the other graduation

requirements in that it is more about process than content. It is about the process

of pursuing learning in an online environment and not about computer skills or

additional content. It is unlikely that any kind of testing-out assessment (like an

end-of-course exam) could truly "test" the process that occurs when a student

engages with content, other students, and a teacher online.

Physical Education and Health

What the Michigan Merit Curriculum Law Says:

MCL 380.1278a (iii) At least 1 credit in subject matter that includes both Health and

Physical Education aligned with

guidelines developed by the Department and approved by

the State Board under Section 1278b [or at least 1/2 credit in

ealth aligned with

guidelines developed by the Department and approved by the State Board under Section

1278b and

at least 1/2 credit awarded by the school district or public school academy for

approved participation in extracurricular

athletics or other extracurricular activities

involving physical activity].

MCL 380.1278b (5)(i) The Health and Physical Education credit requirement under Section

1278a (1)(a)(iii) may be

modified as part of a personal curriculum only if the modification

Michigan Merit Curriculum 11

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

requires the pupil to complete 1 additional credit in

English Language Arts, Mathematics,

or Science or 1 additional credit in a language other than English, or requires the

pupil to

complete a formal Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program. This additional credit

must be in addition to the

number of those credits otherwise required under Subsection (1)

and Section 1278a (1) or under Section 1278a (2).

1. Do the requirements give the option for students to take just physical

education OR health?

No. One credit that includes both physical education AND health must be earned by

high school students for graduation. The requirement could be met in 2 separate

courses each earning 1/2 credits. The 1/2 credit for Physical Education may also be

awarded by the school district or public school academy for approved participation

in extracurricular athletics or other extracurricular activities involving physical

activity. Please note, however, that this pertains only to the

physical education

credit guidelines of the MMC, not the health education credit guidelines.

2. What extra-curricular athletics or other extracurricular activities involving

physical activity are allowed to fulfill the 1/2 credit of physical education?

A district may determine what extracurricular activities involving physical activity

may be used as credit toward the physical education requirement. The Department

strongly recommends the local school board develop its own policy outlining what is

acceptable for the credit as to be clear to students and parents and consistent in

implementation.

3. Can a student required to take the MMC modify or waive the state’s

physical education or health credit requirement for any reason?

Yes, u

nder certain conditions. The Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) MCL

380.1278b, allows a student to substitute one Physical Education and Health credit

to acquire extra English language arts, mathematics, science or world language

credits, if a student has an approved personal curriculum.

In addition, students may test out of any state-required graduation credit if the

student earns: 1) a qualifying score, as determined by the Department, on the

assessments developed or selected for the subject area by the Department or 2) the

student earns a qualifying score, as determined by the school district or public

school academy, on one or more assessments developed or selected by the school

district or public school academy that measure a student’s proficiency in the content

expectations or guidelines that apply to the credit.

Michigan Merit Curriculum 12

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

Science

What the Michigan Merit Curriculum Law Says:

Sec. 1278b (1)(b) At least 3 credits in Science that are aligned with subject area content

expectations developed by the

Department and approved by the State Board under this

Section, including completion of at least Biology and either

hemistry, Physics, Anatomy, or

Agricultural Science, or successfully completing a program or curriculum that provides

the

same content as the Chemistry or Physics benchmarks, as determined by the Department.

A student may fulfill the

requirement for the 3

Science credit by completing a

Department-approved Computer Science program or curriculum

or formal Career and

Technical Education (CTE) program or curriculum. The legislature strongly encourages pupils

to complete

a 4

credit in Science, such as Forensics, Astronomy, Earth Science,

Agricultural Science, Environmental Science,

eology, Physics, Chemistry, Physiology, or

Microbiology.

380.1278b (5)(f) The Science credit requirements of Subsection (1)(b) are not subject to

modification as part of a

personal curriculum under this Subsection.

1. What are the required number of science credits?

At least 3 credits in science that are aligned with subject area content standards

approved by the State Board. A student may fulfill the requirement for the 3

Science credit by completing a formal CTE program or curriculum.

2. What course(s) may serve as a student’s 3rd Science credit?

Districts determine content, structure, and delivery of Science courses. The

standards themselves represent 3 science credits. Districts are responsible for

ensuring that students have an opportunity to learn the content outlined by the

Michigan Science Standards since these will be tested on the 11

grade Michigan

Merit Exam. More information can be found in the Science Credit Guidelines

document.

3. Can a student take a CTE class for the 3rd Science credit?

Any course or program, including CTE, which integrates Science content may count

as the 3

science credit. If the 3

Science credit is exchanged for a formal CTE

program or curriculum then science content does not need to be integrated.

However, districts are responsible for ensuring that students have an opportunity to

learn the content as outlined in the

Michigan Science Standards since these will be

tested on the 11

grade Michigan Merit Exam.

Michigan Merit Curriculum 13

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

4. Can a student take a computer science class for the 3rd Science credit?

Any course or program, including a computer science course, which integrates

science content may count as the 3

Science credit. Currently there is not a

department-approved computer science program or curriculum that can be

exchanged for the 3

science credit.

5. Do districts have to provide the courses specified in the legislation (see

above)?

No. 380.1278(b) (7)

states “The board of a school district or board of directors of

a public school academy that operates a high school … may provide this curriculum

by providing the credits specified in this Section and Section 1278a, by using

alternative instructional delivery methods such as alternative course work,

humanities course sequences, CTE, industrial technology courses, or vocational

education, or by a combination of these. School districts and public school

academies that operate CTE programs are encouraged to integrate the credit

requirements of this Section and Section 1278a into those programs.”

6. Can Earth Science still be offered for high school credit in 8

grade?

Any high school credit offered in middle school must be based on the high school

standards. Middle school students must have an opportunity to learn the 6

-8

grade science standards in order to be prepared for high school science so care

should be taken to ensure that any middle school earth science class contains both

the middle school and high school content. More information can be found in the

Science Credit Guidelines and at www.michigan.gov/Science

. [See also Earning

Credit and Career/Technical Education]

Social Studies

What the Michigan Merit Curriculum Law Says:

Sec. 1278a (ii) At least 3 credits in Social Science that are aligned with subject area

content expectations developed by the

Department and approved by the State Board

under Section 1278b, including completion of at least 1 credit in U.S. History and

Geography, 1 credit in World History and Geography, 1/2 credit in Economics, and the

Civics course described in

Section

1166(2). The 1/2-credit Economics requirement may be

satisfied by completion of at least a 1/2-credit course in Personal Economics that includes

a Financial Literacy component as described in Section 1165, if that course covers the

subject area content expectations for Economics developed by the Department and

approved by the State Board under Section 1278b.

Sec. 1278b (5)(h) The Social Science credit requirements of Section 1278a (1)(a)(ii) may

be modified as part of a personal

curriculum only if all of the following are met:

Michigan Merit Curriculum 14

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

(i) The pupil has successfully completed 2 credits of the Social Science credits

required under Section 1278a (1), including the

ivics course described in Section

1166(2)

1166(2) The course shall include the form and functions of the federal, state, and local

governments and shall stress the rights and responsibilities of citizens. A diploma shall not

be issued by a high school to a pupil who has not successfully completed this course. This

course requirement is not a graduation requirement for a high school pupil who has

enlisted or been inducted into military service.

1. What are the required number of Social Studies credits?

Three credits of Social Studies aligned with the subject area content expectations

developed by the Department to include 1 credit in U.S. History and Geography, 1

credit in World History and Geography, 1/2 credit in Economics, and 1/2 credit in

Civics/Government. More information can be found in the Social

Studies Credit

Guidance document.

2. Where will educators find the Social Studies content standards?

Content standards and other guidelines can be found at

www.michigan.gov/academicstandards.

3. How does the legislation change regarding personal finance impact my

Economics curriculum? Don’t we already have personal Economics content

expectations in our Social Studies standards?

Legislation states that a personal economics course that includes a Financial Literacy

component also cover the Economic standards. There is little change except to

increase emphasis on Personal Economics. The current content expectations for

Economics include E4 Personal Finance which has 6 content expectations on

Personal Economics.

4. Can we replace a Economics course with a “Personal Finance” or “Personal

Economics” class?

Legislation requires districts to provide students with opportunities to learn all the

Social Studies content expectations, including those addressing economics,

regardless of course names. Districts can develop personal finance or personal

economic courses that meet their students’ learning needs that do not include the

Economic content expectations as long as students have opportunities to learn the

economic content elsewhere. More information can be found in the Social

Studies

Credit Guidance document.

Michigan Merit Curriculum 15

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

5. Recent legislation requires “that the high school social studies content

standards developed by the Michigan Department of Education include the

content covered by the federal naturalization test.” What do we need to do

at the local level to make sure this content is addressed?

MDE completed a crosswalk of the 100 Citizenship questions and the Social Studies

Content Expectations. 79 of the citizenship questions are already included in the

Social Studies Content Expectations. The other 21 questions are either rote

memorization, have different answers in different parts of the state, or change over

time. Schools and teachers addressing the Social Studies Content Expectations with

appropriate detail will address all content on the Citizenship test.

6. Recent legislation requires “that Michigan's social studies curriculum and

statewide assessment program include instruction and testing about

genocides, including the Holocaust.” What changes in the Social Studies

Content Expectations will MDE make to address this concern?

Michigan’s current Social Studies Content Expectations already include the

Hololcaust, “the genocides of Armenians, Romas (Gypsies), and Jews, and the mass

exterminations of Ukrainians and Chinese,” and “-causes of and responses to ethnic

cleansing/genocide/mass extermination (e.g., Darfur, Rwanda, Cambodia, Bosnia).”

Schools and teachers addressing the Social Studies Content Expectations with

appropriate detail will address content on the genocides including the Holocaust.

Visual, Performing and Applied Arts

What the Michigan Merit Curriculum Law Says:

Sec. 1278a (1)(iv) The board of a school district or board of directors of a public school

academy shall not award a high

school diploma to a pupil unless the pupil has successfully

completed at least 1 credit in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, or

pplied Arts, that is aligned

with guidelines developed by the Michigan Department of Education.

Sec. 1278a (2) ….For pupils who graduate from high school in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019,

2020, or 2021 ONLY, a pupil may

partially or fully fulfill 1 credit of [a world language] by

completing a Department-approved formal Career and Technical Education (CTE) program

or curriculum or by completing visual or performing arts instruction that is in addition to

the

requirements under Subsection (1) (a)(iv).

Sec. 1278b (5)(g)(j)(j) The Visual Arts, Performing Arts, or Applied Arts credit requirement

under Section 1278a (1)(a)(iv) may

be modified as part of a personal curriculum only if the

modification requires the pupil to complete 1 additional credit in

English Language Arts,

Mathematics, or Science or 1 additional credit in a language other than English, or requires

the pupil

to 1 complete a formal CTE program. This additional credit must be in addition to

Michigan Merit Curriculum 16

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

the number of

those credits otherwise required under Subsection (1) and Section 1278a

(1) or under Section 1278a (2).

1. What are the required number of credits for the Visual, Performing, and

Applied Arts?

Students must complete 1 credit aligned with the guidelines developed by the

Michigan Department of Education. See information the

Personal Curriculum Options

and Career and Technical Education.

2. Where will educators find the Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts

guidelines?

Content standards and guidelines can be found at

www.michigan.gov/academicstandards.

3. Can a student exchange a World Language credit for a Visual, Performing,

and Applied Arts credit?

Yes. Starting with the graduating class of 2016 a student has the option to reduce

the number of World Language credits to one and increase the Visual, Performing,

and Applied Arts credits to two. If a student entered 3

Grade before 2006 they are

exempt from the world language requirement under the Michigan Merit Curriculum

(MMC), even if they graduate in 2016 or later.

World Language

What the Michigan Merit Curriculum Law Says:

Sec. 1278a (2) In addition to the requirements under Subsection (1), beginning with pupils

entering 3

Grade in 2006, the board of a school district or board of directors

of a public

school academy shall not award a high school diploma to a pupil unless the pupil has

successfully completed

during Grades K to 12 at least 2 credits that are grade-appropriate

in a language other than English or course work or

other learning experiences that are

substantially equivalent to 2 credits in a language other than English, based on

guidelines

developed by the Department.

For pupils who graduate from high school in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, or 2021 ONLY,

a pupil may partially or fully fulfill one credit of this requirement by completing a

Department-approved formal Career and Technical Education (CTE) program or curriculum

or by completing visual or performing arts instruction that is in

addition to the

requirements under Subsection (1)(a)(iv). The board of a school district or board of

directors of a public

school academy is strongly encouraged to ensure that all pupils

complete at least one credit in a language other than English

in Grades K to 6. For the

purposes of this Subsection, all of the following apply:

Michigan Merit Curriculum 17

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

(a) American Sign Language is considered to be a language other than English.

(b) The pupil may meet all or part of this requirement with online course work.

1. What, and for whom, are the credit requirements for a language other than

English?

Beginning with the graduating class of 2016, students need to complete, during

Grades K-12, the equivalent of 2 grade appropriate credits in a language other than

English or have course work or other learning experience that are substantially

equivalent to 2 credits. If a student entered 3

Grade before 2006 they are exempt

from the world language requirement under the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC),

even if they graduate in 2016 or later. However, districts can, as with any other

subject, impose their own World Language requirements that go beyond the

requirements of the MMC.

2. How can students meet the requirement?

Students can meet the world language requirement in the following ways:

o By completing the equivalent of 2 credits in a language other than English

during Grades K-12.

o Through learning beyond the K-12 classroom: formal study abroad, study

abroad programs, college coursework, home or heritage languages, online

courses, or other life experiences as determined by the district.

o Stu

dents who are graduating from high school in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019,

2020, or 2021, only may partially or fully fulfil 1 credit of the World Language

requirement by completing a Department approved formal CTE program or by

completing Visual, Performing, or Applied Arts instruction that is in addition to

the Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts requirement.

o More information and guidelines on meeting the credit requirements for

learning a language other than English can be found at

www.michigan.gov/academicstandards.

Career/Technical Education (CTE)

What the Michigan Merit Curriculum Law Says:

Earning Credit

380.1278(b) (7) The board or board of directors may provide this curriculum by providing

the credits specified in this

Section

and Section 1278a, by using alternative instructional

delivery methods such as … Career and Technical Education (CTE).

Mathematics

Sec 1278a (1)(a)(i) …A pupil may partially or fully fulfill the algebra II requirement by

completing a Department-

approved formal CTE program or curriculum, that has

appropriate embedded Mathematics

content, such as a program or curriculum in

Michigan Merit Curriculum 18

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

Electronics, Machining, Construction, Welding, Engineering, Computer

Science, or

Renewable Energy, and in that program or curriculum successfully completing the same

content as the

lgebra II benchmarks assessed on the Department-prescribed state high

school assessment, as determined by the

Department.

Science

380.1278b (1)(b) …A student may fulfill the requirement for the 3

Science credit by

completing a Department-

approved formal CTE program or curriculum…

World Language

Sec. 1278a (2) (2)… For pupils who graduate from high school in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019,

2020, or 2021 ONLY, a pupil may partially or fully fulfill 1 credit of this requirement by

completing a Department-approved formal CTE program or curriculum…

1. What is a “Department-approved formal Career and Technical Education

(CTE) program”?

This is defined in the Michigan Administrative Code.

According to R 395.241, Rule

11, a “Department-approved formal CTE program or curriculum” consists of:

• A coherent sequence of courses so that students gain academic, technical,

and work behavior skills.

• Instruction that includes classroom, laboratory, work based learning, and

leadership opportunities.

• Instruction that is supervised, directed, or coordinated by an appropriately

certificated CTE teacher.

• Consists of standards approved by the State Board (R395.243, Rule 13).

• Must receive approval from MDE/OCTE through an application process (R

395.244, Rule 14).

According to R 395.243, Rule 13 “Successful Completion” means

• Complete coursework covering all state program standards, and/or

• Take any required technical assessment.

For state and federal funding purposes, a new CTE instructional program must

submit an application to operate which must be approved by the MDE CTE office.

The number of courses covering the standards in a CTE program is determined by

the district and submitted in its application. The district may design one or two year

programs. Not all high school students in CTE instructional programs can complete

the requirements for certificates. Some industry certificates/licensures can only be

received once a student turns 18 years old or after they have completed additional

postsecondary coursework.

Michigan Merit Curriculum 19

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

2. What is the difference between replacing a MMC credit requirement and

earning a MMC credit requirement through a CTE program?

The law is explicit in stating that a credit may only be replaced by a “Department-

approved formal CTE program,” as described above and in the

Michigan

Administrative Code. By replacing a course with formal CTE program, the program

does not need to embed the content standards from the content area being

replaced. On the other hand, students may earn credit in a variety of ways,

including integrating academic content into CTE instruction. (See also

Earning

Credit).

3. Which MMC credit requirements may be replaced with a CTE program?

The following credits may be replaced only with a Department-approved formal CTE

program as defined in administrative code

for students without a personal

curriculum:

• 1 credit of a world language; and/or

• 1 Science credit.

Completion of a Department approved formal CTE program may be used to replace

one or both of these credits.

Through a personal curriculum, students have options for replacing one MMC credit

in Social Studies, physical education/health, and/or visual, performing and applied

arts with a Department-approved formal CTE program. More information is

available on the Personal Curriculum webpage.

One Department-approved formal

CTE program may be used to replace up to three of these credits.

4. Can the CTE content be modified under a personal curriculum?

Only the content outlined by the content standards and required by the Michigan

Merit Curriculum (MMC) can be modified with personal curriculum. If MMC content

is embedded within the CTE program it is assumed that it is content integral to

success with the skills and knowledge needed for successful completion of the CTE

program. Therefore it is not recommended that students in a CTE program of study

use a personal curriculum to modify content.

5. In order to replace a Mathematics credit with Department-approved formal

CTE program or curriculum, how do districts determine what Mathematics

content needs to be embedded so that the content is the same as the

“Algebra II benchmarks assessed on the Department-prescribed state high

school assessment?”

Michigan Merit Curriculum 20

Frequently Asked Questions - 09/17

This document is intended to provide general guidance. Due to the complexity of the law, policies and guidance will continue

to evolve. For specific information regarding the law, please refer to MCL 380.1278a and MCL 380.1278b.

There are no specified “Algebra II benchmarks” on the state high school

assessment.

Because of the specificity in the legislation regarding the exchange of Algebra II

with a formal CTE program, there is no difference between exchanging the Algebra

II credit and earning Algebra II credit through the integration of the Mathematics

into a CTE program or class. Districts are encouraged to use the

Mathematics Credit

Guidelines to ensure that students have the opportunity to learn all of the

Mathematics standards before they graduate whether they are enrolled in formal

CTE program or not.

6. Which MMC credit requirements can be earned through a Career and

Technical Education (CTE) program?

CTE programs may be used to help students partially or fully earn the necessary

credits in a variety of required credit areas. For example, a district may allow a

student to receive credit for Mathematics in building trades classes, if the district

determines that the building trades program covers the required high school

content expectations for those subjects. It is also possible for CTE courses to be

used to help students in, for instance, an electronics class earn credit for the "one

additional Math or Math-related" credit required in the MMC. The amount of

academic credit granted for CTE Programs is a local decision.

Guidelines for Awarding Academic Credit in CTE, Humanities and Other Delivery

Models provide a format for using teacher work teams in each local district to

examine the CTE curriculum and determine the amount of academic credit to award

based on a crosswalk with the content expectations. Local districts are encouraged

to use the guidelines for awarding academic credit in ways other than CTE as well.

7. Can a student take a CTE class for the 3rd Science credit?

Yes, any course, including CTE programs, that integrates Science may count as a

Science credit. If the 3

Science credit is exchanged for a formal CTE program or

curriculum then Science content does not need to be integrated. However, districts

are responsible for ensuring that students have an opportunity to learn the

standards for Science as outlined in the

Michigan Science Standards since these will

be tested on the 1th Grade Science exam. [See also Earning Credit and

Career/Technical Education]