Tri-City Sun

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed a bill allowing high school graduation requirement flexibility, according to MiSenateGOP.

The bill was championed by Sen. Jim Stamas (R-Midland). It will give students flexibility when it comes to meeting high school graduation requirements in the state.

"Now more than ever, it’s clear that education is not a one-size-fits-all process for our students," Stamas said, according to MiSenateGOP. "This reform ensures that Michigan’s current and future high school students will have flexibility in choosing the best course of study for them to learn, graduate and prepare for successful careers."

Sen. Jim Stamas | #MiSenateGOP

The state adopted what is considered one of the most rigorous state high school graduation requirements nearly 15 years ago, requiring students to complete a minimum of 18 credits in eight different subject areas. 

The new law will allow students to substitute career-tech courses or arts classes for second required foreign language credits to meet the Michigan Merit Curriculum. A previous bill made this flexibility temporary -- until 2024. The new bill removes the sunset and makes the change permanent.

“Farmers understand the rigor and intensity that happens in a career and technical education or FFA (Future Farms of America) program,” Michigan Farm Bureau President Carl Bednarski told MiSenateGOP. “We applaud the leadership of Sen. Stamas, who helped ensure students now and into the future have the flexibility to enroll in a CTE (Career and Technical Education) program while meeting their curriculum requirements.”

Many supported the new law, including the Michigan Farm Bureau, the Michigan Department of Education, the Michigan Education Association, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Manufacturers Association.

Senate Bill 171 was first introduced in March 2019 by Stamas. It passed in the Senate in February with 39 yes votes and 36 no votes and then passed in the House earlier this month with 353 yes votes and 67 no votes.

Whitmer signed the bill into law on Sept. 17.