The full House of Representatives passed two
bills Thursday to provide additional flexibility in the Michigan Merit Curriculum
for students interested in more career technical courses. House
Bill 4465, sponsored by Representative Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan) passed 81-26
while House
Bill 4466, sponsored by Representative Joel Johnson (R-Clare) passed 87-20.
Under the legislation, students could opt out
of the required two years of foreign language. Further, students would have flexibility in
the math and science requirements under the reform which adds agricultural
science as an approved course and provides that students could meet benchmarks
in algebra II as an alternative to actually taking the course.
Additionally, the proposal allows students to
meet the ½ credit requirement in physical education through participation in
extracurricular activities that involve sports or physical fitness if approved
by the district.
Supporters of the measures point to
shortfalls in people to fill open jobs in technical careers such as welding,
etc., while opponents claim the reform will water-down the state’s requirements
for math and science education.