March 30, 2006
Granholm called for new standards to help students and the economy
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today applauded final passage of a rigorous high school curriculum in Michigan, calling it an essential step in building a diverse economy that will keep young people in the state.
“When we hold our kids to high standards, they will do great things,” Granholm said. “This new curriculum will help give Michigan the best educated workforce in the nation and bring new jobs and new investment to our state.”
Granholm called on Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan and the State Board of Education to develop the new curriculum standards last fall. In her 2006 State of the State Address, the Governor called on the Legislature to adopt the recommendations approved by the board in December. Since that time, the Legislature has been debating the issue. The new curriculum requirements approved by both chambers today will help establish a highly educated, highly skilled workforce by requiring that all students complete:
• four credits of math and English language arts;
• three credits of science and social studies;
• two credits of foreign language;
• one credit of physical education and health;
• one credit of visual, performing, or applied arts;
• one online learning experience.
The requirements will be in place for incoming eighth graders in the fall of 2006. The foreign language requirement, which can be met by coursework completed prior to high school, will be in place for students entering third grade in the fall of 2006.
“In addition to setting high standards for our students, we must ensure that our schools and our teachers have the resources they need to help students meet those standards,” said Granholm.
Granholm’s proposed budget for the upcoming school year increases education funding to its highest levels ever. The Governor’s budget proposal includes increasing per pupil funding by $200, a new after school math and science program for middle schools to ensure that students are prepared for a rigorous high school curriculum, and a significant expansion of early childhood education services to get young students started in the right direction.
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