Gov.

Rick Snyder signs bills revising Michigan Merit Curriculum to increase

options for students

Rigorous material may be woven into career, technical education classes
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
LANSING, Mich. Gov. Rick Snyder today signed legislation revising the Michigan
Merit Curriculum to allow school districts the flexibility to enhance career technical
education programs.
The bills, approved with strong bipartisan support, will assist more students in taking
courses where they can obtain technical, employable skills that lead to good jobs.
"We want to make sure students have options for career-oriented courses that include
material from rigorous subjects and that maintain high educational standards," Snyder
said.
"We know that a strong public education is an important part of Michigan's comeback.
Career-technical classes play an important role in developing talent and helping open
opportunities for students for jobs of today and tomorrow."
House Bill 4465, sponsored by state Rep. Ed McBroom, amends the Michigan Merit
Curriculum to allow students to fulfill the algebra II requirement by completing a career
and technical education program that has the material embedded into lessons.
The bill also provides additional opportunities for students to pursue courses that will
prepare them for careers in skilled trades, while maintaining high standards in terms of
required curriculum. It is now Public Act 208 of 2014.
HB 4466, sponsored by state Rep. Joel Johnson, requires that students be informed
about potential career and technical education options and streamlines the process for
students who wish to pursue the personal curriculum option. It is now Public Act 209 of
2014.
Snyder signed the bills at Dakota High School in Macomb, surrounded by educators,
trade group representatives and students who are enrolled in or are recent graduates
of the Chippewa Valley School District's career and technical education programs.
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