State of Michigan
Improved High School Graduation Requirements
To prepare Michigan's students with the skills and knowledge needed for the jobs of the 21st Century global economy, the State of Michigan has enacted a rigorous new set of statewide graduation requirements that are among the best in the nation.
With these new graduation requirements, students will be well-prepared for further success in college and on the job. Michigan is developing a highly skilled 21st century workforce that will drive the state's economy today and into the future.
The new graduation standards will be required starting with the Class of 2011.
Students need a total of 24 credits to graduate.
Michigan Merit Exam (MME) The Michigan Merit Exam is a required test that all juniors will taken in March. This rigorous test is required for graduation and provides a great opportunity for students to earn scholarship money for college. This test is administered over the course of three school days and includes the ACT, Work Keys, and Michigan test components. ACT scores are sent to the colleges and universities of the student's choosing. These scores are a large part of the college admissions decision and it is essential that students take this test very seriously. All Michigan public high schools are required to administer the test and must follow specific rules and guidelines. Students must arrive to school on time, may not have any electronic devices or cell phones and must adhere to very precise test- taking guidelines. Once the test begins, no student can be admitted to testing room. Participants should be well-nourished and well-rested so that they can perform at their best. There are no retakes administered by the school.
Students should visit the link listed below to review free test-practice questions. Parents or students who have questions about the MME should contact the principal.
http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/index.html
MICHIGAN MERIT CURRICULUM |
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# of Credits |
Curriculum Area |
Required Content |
4 Credits |
Mathematics |
Algebra I; Geometry, Algebra II; including one credit in Senior Year |
4 Credits |
English Language Arts |
Aligned with subject area content expectations developed by state Dept. of Education |
3 Credits |
Science |
Biology; Physics or Chemistry; one additional Science credit |
3 credits |
Social Studies |
.5 credit in Civics; |
1 Credit |
Physical Education/Health |
Credit guidelines to be developed by state Dept. of Education |
1 Credit |
Visual, performing, Applied arts |
Credit guidelines to be developed by state Dept. of Education |
24 Credits to graduate |
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Additional Graduation Requirement:
On-line Learning Experience- Students must take an on-line course or learning experience; OR have the on-line learning experience incorporated into each of the required credits of the Michigan Merit Curriculum.
World Languages- Beginning with the Class of 2016 (Third graders in the Fall 2006), students will need to complete 2 Credits of a World Language in grades 9-12; OR have an equivalent experience in grades K-12.
For more information go to Michigan Department of Education
