State Representative Joel Sheltrown (West Branch) speaks on the floor of the Michigan House of Representatives on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009, prior to the passage of his plan that will broaden the math requirements for Michigan high school students, allowing them to better prepare for good-paying jobs in the 21st century global economy.
LANSING – The State House today passed a plan introduced by State Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-Richmond) that will broaden the math requirements for Michigan high school students, paving the way for them to better prepare for good-paying jobs in the 21st century global economy.
"My plan is about enhancing flexibility in our education system so our students are better prepared for high-paying jobs that are in high-demand fields of the 21st century," Sheltrown said. "Not every student fits into the same mold when it comes to learning. Being able to accommodate our young people's interests will help them land in-demand jobs when they graduate."
The plan, which now goes to the Senate, preserves Michigan's rigorous graduation standards, while enabling students to acquire the tailored skills they need to obtain good-paying jobs in high-demand fields.
Under the plan, only Michigan's math requirements will change; all other current graduation requirements will remain the same. Students will still be required to successfully complete four credits in mathematics, including at least one math course during their final year of high school. These credits must include at least:
- One credit in Algebra I;
- One credit in geometry earned in a traditional geometry course or an approved career and technical course; and
- One credit earned in a financial literacy course, an Algebra II course or an approved career and technical course.
"Our current school requirements leave little or no opportunity for students to take career tech courses," Sheltrown said. "We will need workers with skills in every field to help turn our economy around. I urge the Senate to pass my plan that will help prepare our students of today to be the leaders of tomorrow's workforce."