Public Media from Michigan State University

MI House Approves Changes To High School Graduation Requirements

WKAR File Photo

Bills to change graduation requirements for Michigan’s high school students have cleared the state House.

Critics of the Michigan Merit Curriculum say it doesn’t offer students enough flexibility.

The bills would loosen math, foreign language, and physical education requirements. Supporters say they would also make it easier for students to design graduation plans tailored to their individual goals.

Bill sponsor Ed McBroom says the changes would promote careers in high-demand skilled trades.

“Are we going to say physics should box somebody out of their opportunity to take agri-science class?,” he asks.

But opponents of the changes say they would water down high school standards too much.

The legislation now goes to the state Senate.

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Jake Neher is a reporter for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He covers the State Legislature and other political events in Lansing.