PERSONAL CURRICULUM S.B. 1427: COMMITTEE SUMMARY
Senate Bill 1427 (as introduced 9-13-06)
Sponsor: Senator Wayne Kuipers
Committee: Education
Date Completed: 11-28-06
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Revised School Code to specify that a personal curriculum approved for a pupil would have to incorporate as much of the subject area content expectations for the credits required under the Michigan Merit Curriculum as was practicable for the pupil.
Under the Code, beginning with pupils entering 8th grade in 2006, the board of a school district or board of directors of a public school academy may not award a high school diploma to a pupil unless he or she completes specified credit requirements of the Michigan Merit Standard, including certain credits in math, science, English, social sciences, and other subject areas. The credits must be aligned with subject area content expectations or guidelines developed by the Department of Education.
The Code provides an exception to this provision if the parent or legal guardian of a pupil requests a personal curriculum for the pupil that modifies some of those requirements. If the personal curriculum meets certain conditions under the Code, and the pupil successfully completes the curriculum, he or she may be awarded a high school diploma even if it does not meet all of the requirements of the Michigan Merit Standard.
Among other conditions, the personal curriculum must incorporate as much of the subject area content expectations of the Michigan Merit Standard as is practicable. The bill would state, "as is practicable for the pupil".
MCL 380.1278b Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Kirk Sanderson
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb1427/0506