The state would change its high school graduation requirements under a plan in the state House.
The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Jake Neher has more.
To graduate from a Michigan high school, the state requires students pass algebra two and earn two credits in a foreign language, among other things. Some House Republicans say that’s not necessary for kids more apt to go into skilled trades.
But state Superintendent Mike Flanagan says those jobs are highly technical in the modern era, and require many of the skills the curriculum promotes.
“So some of what we’re nostalgic about is something that does not exist anymore, and we’re blaming the Michigan Merit Curriculum, “ he says. “And they just don’t link up.”
Flanagan says schools can already create alternative graduation requirements for individual students.