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Personal Curriculums: The Latest Spin

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personal curriculum graphic By Jim Ballard
MASSP Executive Director

I had the pleasure of recently sitting at a discussion table with the Chief Academic Officer for the MDE, the Educational Advisor to the Governor, the Chair of the Senate Education Committee, and the Director of State Scholars. The topic was the implementation of the Michigan Merit Standard/Curriculum.

The discussion quickly went to the implementation obstacles of the Merit Core. I asked, “Why are principals being told to place “CI” kids in algebra class so they can get a diploma?” They all agreed this is not what was intended in the law.

In brief, here’s the rest of the story:

  • MDE used Diane’s article about the Personal Curriculum in the March Bulletin as the most defining and most accurate guidance to date. (To read the article, click here)
  • A conversation about the particulars of the Personal Curriculum with the Executive Director of MASSP and the MDE Chief Academic Officer led to confusion. It was agree that if these two people can get confused, what must it be like at the school building level?
  • It was agreed this is not a legislative fix.
  • The Governor’s office has told legislators MDE will come out with a new definitive document on the Personal Curriculm.
  • How the Personal Curriculum in Math for a student with disabilities might lead to a diploma was discussed. Sally Vaughn will seek scenarios and clarification.
  • Be expecting a letter of clarification from Sally Vaughn, Chief Academic Officer of MDE.
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