GLADSTONE - Rep. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, met with local education officials in Gladstone Monday, looking for input on legislation he's currently drafting that could alter the Michigan Merit High School Curriculum and Vocational Education requirements.
McBroom has created a "rough draft" of legislation aimed at providing more flexibility to high school students, especially regarding vocational education. Prior to discussion on the proposal, McBroom asked those in attendance to forget the draft and simply hear the whole premise of what he's trying to accomplish.
"(Students) have zero flexibility; very (few) options of choice," he said, adding what his legislation attempts to do is provide more flexibility. McBroom said his goal is to "see a way forward" that allots students more options within their class schedules.
Michigan established a rigorous set of statewide graduation requirements - the Michigan Merit Curriculum - in April 2006. The legislation, signed into law by then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm, required students entering the eighth grade in 2006 to obtain a minimum of 16 credits for graduation.
The 16 credits required by the curriculum leave little room for flexibility, McBroom said. According to the Michigan Department of Education's website, under the curriculum, students are required to take:
- Four credits in English language arts.
- Four credits in math, including geometry and algebra I and II.
- Three credits in science, with use of labs, including biology and chemistry or physics.
- Three credits in social sciences, including U.S. history & geography, world history & geography, .5 civics, .5 economics.
- One credit in visual, performing and applied arts.
- One credit in physical education and health.
- All high school students must also participate in an online course or learning experience.
- Effective for the class of 2016, the credit requirement will increase to 18 credits, to include two credits in world languages. Students may receive credit if they have had a similar learning experience in grades K-12.
"With these state mandates, I really think we are pigeon-holing students," McBroom said.
The representative noted the curriculum really paints the picture that every student needs a four-year degree, but said he disagrees with this notion, and used personal anecdotes to back up his opinion. McBroom told those in attendance of different occasions where he was approached by businesses that were unable to find employees with the "basic training" needed for the job.
"We're short-changing options for students," he said.
McBroom said there are two problems: the state isn't providing enough options for students and the current curriculum requirements are unnecessarily narrowly focused. He provided two examples of this: the requirement for algebra II, as well as the foreign language requirement. The current curriculum requires all students to take algebra II. Starting with the class of 2016, two credits of foreign language will also be required.
Under McBroom's draft, students would be required to meet the following:
- Two credits of math, including algebra I and geometry
- Two credits in a social science, including civics
- One physical education credit
- An online course or learning experience
- Seven additional credits that meet one or both of the following: additional credits in math, social science or science or credits in a language other than English or in visual arts, performing arts or applied arts (Not more than two of the additional credits may be in a language other than English and not more than one may be in visual arts, performing arts or applied arts); career and technical education credits.
McBroom emphasized he didn't feel it necessary for the state to mandate a uniform set of requirements, but felt school districts should be trusted to develop some of their own curriculum, as well - something his new legislation takes into account. The draft, however, is a work in progress. McBroom has also met with education officials in Menominee and Dickinson counties.
"I came here today not so much to get support, but to reach out to those in education and business that want to (provide) input - especially those in the education world," McBroom said following the meeting.
Those in attendance offered their feedback on the legislation, as well as concerns.
Escanaba Principal Doug Leisenring said one problem educators may face is the number of teachers needed to teach both English and meet the new foreign language requirement.
"We're working hard to get kids through four years of English," he said, adding soon they will have to meet the foreign language requirement. "A lot of districts are going to struggle with the foreign language requirement."
He commented that while a student attending the University of Michigan may need two years of foreign language, a student looking to get a job at Marinette Marine may not.
McBroom noted the foreign language requirement is being taken up in the state as a stand alone issue, as well.
Those in attendance also expressed concerns over budget restraints, explaining that classes not required by state mandates often end up on the chopping block. Many felt it may be necessary to delineate more class requirements for this reason.
Other education officials noted altering the curriculum wouldn't just add flexibility where vocational education is concerned, but may help students pursue other interests, such as art, etc. Leisenring noted it may also help those students interested in dual enrollment.
"There is talk of expanding dual enrollment, under the Michigan merit curriculum, we won't have that flexibility," Leisenring said.
The meeting ended with those in attendance asking McBroom what they can do to help the issue move forward.
McBroom said once a draft has been introduced, those interested may send letters and make phone calls to legislators letting them know they support the legislation.
"Please get behind it and help it get the legs it needs," he said.
Following the meeting, McBroom said he hopes to have a draft of the bill introduced by the end of the month.