When children first enter their kindergarten classrooms, they are continuing a journey of learning that began at birth. During their first few years of life, they had to learn one skill, such as walking, in order to learn the next — running. The same process happens during kindergarten. Young students will need to learn to read, for instance, in order to learn just about everything else. You are your child’s first reading teacher. For example, did you know that if you read to your child or encourage your child to read to you every day, you will help him to become a stronger reader? You also can help ensure your child’s success by monitoring his or her progress in school and working with your child’s teacher to support learning activities at home.

But, in order to monitor a child’s progress, parents need to know what the child should have learned in core subjects, such as English and math, by the end of each grade. How do parents do this? It’s easier than you think. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has developed for each grade a tool called A Parent’s Guide to Grade Level Content Expectations. These guides provide important information on what your child should know and be able to do by the end of each grade, and are based on Michigan’s state education standards. These nationally recognized expectations are used by educators in districts and schools to develop curriculum and guide classroom teaching. They also are used by MDE to develop grade level tests given to students in 3rd through 8th grades. These tests are called the Michigan Educational Assessment Program, commonly referred to as the MEAP.

Parents can use the grade level content guides with teachers to:

  • Learn what their child should know and be able to do after each school year.
  • Ask how this information will be taught in school.
  • Discuss their child’s progress, especially during parent- teacher conferences.
  • Explore ways they can support learning in the classroom.
  • Ask for activities children can perform at home that will support classroom instruction.
  • Review and understand the MEAP test results.

For more information contact:
The Michigan Department of Education
Student Issue Unit
517-373-6534
Toll-free: 1-888-323-4231
Email: K-12studentissues@michigan.gov

The Michigan Department of Education Parent Guide to Grade Level Expectations support the State Board of Education’s goal to: “Attain substantial and meaningful improvement in academic achievement for all students/children, with primary emphasis on high-priority schools and students.”

On April 20, 2006, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm signed into law new high school graduation requirements called the “Michigan Merit Curriculum.” It requires students in the class of 2011 to earn a total of 16 credits, including: four credits in both English and math; three credits in science and social studies; one credit in visual, performing and applied arts; one credit in health/physical education; and an online learning experience.

While your young child is years away from entering high school, this new law emphasizes the importance of children learning another language. Beginning with the Class of 2016 (Third graders in Fall 2006), students will also need to complete 2 Credits of a World Language. Students may earn credit anytime between kindergarten and 12th grade by taking classes in high school or by successfully completing course work or other learning experiences that are substantially equivalent to the requirement. To learn how your school district will implement this language requirement, please contact your child’s school. And check out this helpful checklist.

For information on a child’s innate capacity to learning language, read Born To Speak: Cornell Studies Babies’ Innate Capability To Learn Language.