The new Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements are reducing elective course offerings in high schools. The requirements mandate that students complete 18 total credits in core subjects like language arts, math, science, social studies, and foreign language, leaving less room for electives in areas like music, business, and life skills. This is affecting students by giving them less variety in course choices and opportunities to explore passions outside core subjects. It is also affecting teachers, as there will be limited jobs and potential threats to positions for future and current elective teachers. While the government sees no issues, many argue the importance of maintaining electives to prepare students for college and careers.

1. Current Issue in education By: Raychel Payne

2. Are Elective Teachers in Trouble with new Michigan Merit Requirements?

3. A number of high school elective courses are being cut because of the new curriculum requirements. Many instrumental music programs are affected by these changes.

4. Why New Michigan Merit Curriculum?Preparing students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.Rigorous requirements among the best in the nation.Students will be well prepared for college and future jobs. Graduation rate projected for 85%.Government Support.

5. New Michigan Merit Requirements4 Credits For Language Arts4 Credits For Mathematics3 Credits For Science3 Credits For Social Studies2 Credits For Foreign Language1 Credit For Health1 Credit For The ArtsTOTAL: 18 Credits

6. How Does This Affect Students?Cover more difficult topics at a younger age.More pressure to do well in classes.Smaller number of class choices.Less variety in courses.

7. How Does This Affect Students? (con.)Less opportunities for students interested in:Music Health NutritionBusinessLife Skills and Development

8. Classes in the Elective category are just as important as Core Subject Curriculum classes in preparing students for the future.

9. How Does This Affect Teachers?Limited job opportunities for future elective course teachers.Potential threat to existing elective teaching positions.Potential loss of current teachers jobs.

10. Importance of ElectivesBusinessMany Jobs.Prepare for college.MusicStudents are passionate about it.Large part of our culture.Health and NutritionGood knowledge to promote healthy lifestyles.Life SkillsPrepare students for real life experiences.

11. What is being done to help?Government sees no problems with requirements.Many elective teachers stepping up.Promote awareness of the importance of elective classes.PresentFuture…

12. OverviewNew Merit Requirements: About them.Affects on teachers and students.Importance of Electives.

13. ReferencesPhotosBusiness EducationAuthor: viagallery.comURL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/viagallery/2110571280/ AppleAuthor: Pink Sherbet PhotographyURL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinksherbet/1072950486/ Music Lesson 1Author: NathanrusselURL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nathanrussell/2976465113/sizes/l/ Music Lesson 2Author: nathanrusselURL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nathanrussell/2976461523/

14. References (con.)InformationBibliographyMichigan Department of Education. (2009, September 2). Department of Education. Retrieved October 2009, from Michigan Department of Education: www.michigan.gov/mdeMichigan State Board of Education. (2009). Grade Level Content Expectations. Retrieved October 2009, from Michigan Department of Education: www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Item_B_213997_7.pdfVanessa Keesler, A. W. (2008). Calculating the Ability Within-School Teacher Supply to meet Demands of New Requirements: The Example of the Michigan Merit Curriculum. ERIC , All pages.