Michigan Education Requirements

Just read an article here about the new graduation requirements signed into law in our state by Gov. Granholm. Previous to this, the state only required a civics class, allowing local school boards to set their own requirements. Here's the new list of what students will have to complete starting 2011:

4 years math
4 years English
3 years science
3 years social studies
1 year PE
1 year arts
some online experience
2 credits in foreign language will be phased in by 2016.

I'm not sure what students were studying that differs so greatly from this, but many are bemoaning the fact that these tougher requirements will increase the drop out rate.

The quote below from Gov. Granholm shows what the government's goal of education truly is:

"We need to have a work force that is skilled in math, in science, in
technology," the governor said. "The link between education and the economy has
never been stronger. ... We expect great things from our young people, and we
are giving you the tools to succeed."

So much for nobler purposes of education - once again it boils down to the mighty dollar, and how can the next generation be trained to produce more (and also be trained at the same time to consume more - cf. soda company presence in schools, incentives from computer companies for buying their products, etc)

And the kicker is that Michigan is being hailed as the model for the rest of the nation!!

- Sara