MichiganRadio

Lawmakers Seek Flexibility in Graduation Standards ANN ARBOR, MI (Michigan Radio) - Michigan's tougher new high school graduation standards may be in for changes.

State representative Joel Sheltrown says more Michigan students are dropping out of high school because of stricter requirements that went into effect in 2006.

Sheltrown says the dropout problem will increase because the state doesn't provide flexibility in its curriculum.

Sheltrown surprised his colleagues last fall - and made his point -- when he handed out an Algebra II test for them to complete.

"It was pretty dismal," Sheltrown says. "I only got six that passed out of 110, and only 12 tests were turned back into me. And it was multiple choice, 18 questions, and it wasn't that difficult to do.

Sheltrown is sponsoring a bill that would offer alternative programs for students not planning to go to college.

He says the graduation requirements would still be rigorous.
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