A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by amending sections 1278a and 1278b (MCL 380.1278a and 380.1278b), as amended by 2022 PA 105.
House Bill No. 5735 aims to modify the merit curriculum requirements for high school diplomas in Michigan as outlined in the 1976 PA 451, "The Revised School Code." The bill specifies credit requirements in various subjects including mathematics, social science, health and physical education, arts, and an online course or learning experience. It emphasizes the importance of visual and performing arts courses and mandates technology and internet access for online learning components. The legislation introduces a mandatory 1/2 credit course in personal finance for students entering grade 8 in 2023, which can count towards mathematics, arts, or language credits. Local school boards may set additional requirements.
The bill allows for the designation of up to 15 high schools as specialty schools, exempting them from certain credit requirements if they incorporate significant reading and writing components, use specialized and innovative curricula, and maintain high academic performance and graduation rates. These schools must have a graduation rate of at least 85% and 75% of graduates must enroll in postsecondary institutions.
The legislation mandates the development of clear, measurable subject area content expectations, with input from various stakeholders, and requires state board approval. It also introduces personal curricula to modify Michigan merit standard requirements for individual students, involving the student, a parent or guardian, and relevant educators in the development process. Certain credit requirements, such as English language arts and science, cannot be modified, while others may be adjusted under specific conditions.
The bill includes provisions for monitoring compliance, allows additional modifications for transfer students, and mandates annual notification to students and parents about the availability of personal curricula. It requires that all curricular requirements be taught by highly qualified teachers and mandates the development and annual review of educational development plans for students starting in grade 7.
School districts or public school academies unable to meet these requirements may apply for permission to phase in the requirements. The department is required to submit an annual report to the legislature evaluating the curriculum's success, rigor, relevance, implementation, and impact on pupil success.
Co-sponsored by Reps.
Referred to the Committee on Education
