PERSONAL CURRICULUM
The Personal Curriculum is an option that any student or family can explore as a way to modify
certain graduation requirements and earn a diploma. The purpose of secondary education is to
prepare students for life after high school. Any modification to a student’s graduation
requirements need to be consistent with this purpose. The high school diploma is
documentation that the student has met the expectations and possesses the knowledge and
skills necessary for postsecondary success. Students who are not pursuing a diploma or
students who are unable to meet modified MMC requirements do not need a personal
curriculum. Any student or parent interested in a personal curriculum will need to schedule an
appointment with Counseling.
In April 2006, Public Acts 123 & 124 were passed and beginning with the class of 2011, and
they specified the minimum required credits to graduate from a Michigan public high school.
These required credits are known as the Michigan Merit Curriculum. Public Act 141 allows
modifications to these credits. Modifications of Michigan Merit Curriculum are limited to the
following four options:
Available To All Students
A student who wishes to complete additional credit, beyond the number that is
already required, in English language arts, mathematics, science or language other
than English, by modifying a credit from Social Studies, Health & Physical
Education, or Visual, Performing & Applied Arts. Modification to Social Studies is
allowed only after completing 4 credits of Social Studies which included Civics.
English Language Arts & Science credit requirements are not subject to modification
under this subsection of personal curriculum.
Available To All Students
A student, after successfully completing (without necessarily having attained a
passing grade in) Algebra I and 1 Credit (Term A) of Geometry as stipulated in the
Michigan merit Curriculum, wishes to modify the math requirement must complete
one of the following:
1. Successful completion of 7 math or math-related credits, including 2 Algebra, 2 Geometry
and 1 Algebra II.
2. Complete a two Career & Technical education curriculum, which includes 1
credit of Algebra II content.
A student must successfully complete at least one mathematics term during his or
her final year of high school.
Available To Students with an IEP
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