Now that Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm has signed into law improved high school graduation requirements, parents should know there is no better time to prepare their children for high school than during middle school.

In fact, the new law, called the “Michigan Merit Curriculum” requires schools to work with middle school students to develop an Educational Development Plan (EDP) beginning in 7th grade. This plan will help guide their scheduling choices in middle and high school, as well as explore various career paths.

For students who want to get a jump start on high school, the new law allows middle school students taking required courses like Algebra I, Biology or others to earn high school graduation credit. Check with your school to find out more.

The new Michigan Merit Curriculum requires students entering 7th grade in the fall of 2007 to complete 16 specific credits for graduation, plus an online learning course or experience. In addition, students entering 3rd grade in 2006 or later will need two world language credits while in elementary, middle or high school or have an equivalent learning experience.

These requirements, for the first time in Michigan history, will provide students with a common set of graduation requirements and will provide educators with a common understanding of what students should know and be able to do for credit.

Prior to these new requirements, each school district had their own graduation requirements, but the number and type of credits varied widely throughout the state. The only state requirement was one semester of Civics.

The Michigan Merit Curriculum will:

  • Increase students’ opportunity of getting scholarships, going to college and getting better jobs, pay and promotions.
  • Provide students the flexibility to select additional electives like arts or career training while in high school.
  • Allow students to earn high school credits before entering high school through courses; by testing-out of classes; through Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, Career and Technical Education programs, summer school, and other local elective options.
  • Allow school districts to continue to set additional graduation requirements, make all staffing and scheduling decisions, award diplomas, etc.

Michigan’s new high school requirements mean your middle school child’s education and the courses he or she takes are more important than ever. As a parent, you play the most important role in guiding your middle school student’s courses, credits — and future.

How You Can Help:

  • Talk to your child’s teachers, counselor or principal about creating an Educational Development Plan.
  • Have confidence that your child can achieve at high levels and encourage him or her to work hard and study.
  • Seek immediate assistance from teachers if your child is struggling or falling behind.

For a more detailed description of the Michigan Merit Curriculum high school graduation requirements please visit the Michigan Department of Education.

Is My Middle School Student on Track?

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has developed “A Parent’s Guide to Grade Level Content Expectations” for parents of elementary and middle school students. The guide outlines what students should know and be able to do after each grade completed. The recommendations are nationally recognized by educators across the country. They also are used by the MDE to develop state grade level tests given to students called the Michigan Educational Assessment Program, known as the MEAP.

Parents can use these guides when talking to teachers. They can:

  • Learn what their child should know after completing each grade.
  • Ask how 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 and learning tools their child can use at home to support classroom instruction.
  • Review and understand the MEAP test results.