| Michigan Schools have decided that changes need to | | | | social awareness. The standards were set by a |
| be made in the statewide Special Education curriculum. | | | | collaboration of educational committees. |
| Recent updates to federal laws require the Michigan | | | | The new standards follow in a trend of the Michigan |
| Schools to comply with new rules and requirements. | | | | Schools. Student preparedness for the real world has |
| Students with disabilities are depending on the schools | | | | become a focal point for Michigan Schools. Concern |
| that they attend to attain the required standards. | | | | that graduating students are not adequately prepared |
| Without changes, the programs will be forced to shut | | | | for the work environment prompted the change. |
| down. At the news of change, many are concerned | | | | Studies show that only 32 percent of the freshman in |
| that current services will be compromised. However, | | | | the United States will graduate fully prepared for |
| Michigan Schools have assured children and parents | | | | college. In an effort to improve this situation, Michigan |
| that special education programs, such as the Extended | | | | Schools created enhanced statewide graduation |
| School Year Program, will remain intact. Public hearings | | | | requirements in 2006. The governor was directly |
| on the matter will be held in upcoming weeks. | | | | responsible for enacting the requirements, known |
| The updates in special education curriculum are one in | | | | officially as the Michigan Merit Curriculum. Michigan |
| a series of changes that Michigan Schools are | | | | Schools have the rare benefit of being governed by a |
| experiencing. The state content expectations in both | | | | legislative branch, executive branch, and board of |
| social studies and science classes have been recently | | | | education that are in rare agreement on this subject. |
| revised. The new requirements will be enacted in | | | | The objectives achieved by these groups help |
| 2007-2008 and are popular with parents. Expectations | | | | Michigan Schools stay focused. Notably, Michigan |
| in social studies now include the study of eastern | | | | Schools have the most ample requirements of any |
| countries, current issues, and an increased level of | | | | state in the country. |