LANSING – Oakland County Democrats applauded Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today for signing into law a legislative plan that establishes a higher set of graduation requirements for all high school students across the state and prepares them for the good-paying, high-tech jobs of the future. Granholm signed the new law at Otto Middle School in Lansing as teachers, parents and students watched.
"Our children need a quality education to compete for the good-paying, high-tech jobs of the 21st century," said State Representative Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak). "This curriculum will give our children the tools they need to flourish in the future."
The previous state law required only one semester of civics for high school graduation. The new law signed today requires:
- Four credits of English language arts;
- One credit each of Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and an additional math class senior year;
- Three credits of science including Biology, and Physics or Chemistry;
- Three credits of social science;
- Two credits of a foreign language for students entering the third grade in 2006;
- One credit each of health/physical education, and visual, performing or applied arts; and
- One online course or a course that integrates an online experience.
"With a well-educated workforce, Michigan will be a more attractive place for businesses to set up shop," said State Representative Aldo Vagnozzi (D-Farmington/Farmington Hills). "Improving education is an important step on the road to economic success."