Earning H.S. Credit in M.S.

1. Earning H.S. Credit in M.S. Presented by: Josh Wenning Supervisor , Secondary Education & Athletics Waterford School District January 25, 2010

2. The Situation… • Beginning with the Class of 2012 the State of Michigan has adopted the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC). • The MMC creates universal standards and expectations for all high schools laying out specific courses and credits that each student must meet in order to graduate.

3. Michigan Merit Curriculum

4. The Dilemma… • Many students, parents, counselors, teachers, and administrators are encountering difficulties in moving through the new requirements. • Restrictions within scheduling, budget, technology, teacher certification, etc. present some of the stumbling blocks that districts are already encountering.

5. One Solution… • Maximize student’s opportunities to earn high school credit prior to entering 9th grade. • Reference MDE FAQ on “Earning Credit” at: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/FAQ_-_Entire_Document_12.07_217841_7.pdf • Pages 33-36

6. One Solution Cont…. • School districts have been highly encouraged to “think outside the box” as it relates to credit. • The MDE has consistently stated that they have simply laid out the “guidelines” and that individual school districts can still be “creative” in how we work within those guidelines.

7. Solution Example • Many districts have already begun offering Algebra 1 at 8th grade or even earlier. • Some districts are even offering Geometry at 8th grade or earlier. • The main stipulation per the MDE is that in order to receive credit a student will have successfully completed the subject area content developed by the MDE for that credit. • 380.1278(a)(4)(a) • So why offer HS credit in MS?

8. Support for Offering Credit • Allows students to begin working towards graduation prior to 9th grade. • Gives increased credibility to MS teachers with parents and students seeking more rigor. • Allows students to begin building credits that may not fit into their high school schedule. • Advanced classes, technical courses, internships, remedial courses, courses taking two years to complete (Algebra 2, Chemistry/Physics, etc.)

9. Support for Offering Credit Cont. • Helps to keep 9th and 10th grade students on track to graduate on time. • CEPI, AYP, GAD • Attractive to students in neighboring districts if you are school of choice. • Attractive to parents considering moving into your district. • Encourage MS students to take HS Summer School courses. • Bottom line, it is the right thing to do for kids.

10. Possible Detractors • Impact on high school FTE? • Fewer teachers needed to teach the subject being given credit at MS. • May require shifting FTE from HS to MS. • Distrust of high school teachers towards middle school teachers. • Are “they” teaching to “our” standards and expectations. • Only way to really address this is through common assessments used by all teachers teaching the same class. • The District must establish common units, pacing guides, assessments, and resources across all grade levels to ensure consistency and reliability.

11. Developing Common Assessments • Professional Learning Communities • Establish Mission and Vision, create common purpose • Teachers identify Power Standards/ Essential Outcomes • Common assessments developed (formative/ summative) • Enables teachers to examine student learning, improve curriculum and instruction through PLC process • Common syllabi, review packets, grading procedures, scope and sequence, pacing.

12. Sample Classes in MS… • Algebra 1 • Geometry • Spanish (World Language) • Personal Fitness (Physical Education) • Health • Art • Music • Computers (must align to CTE curriculum) • Others?

13. Contact Info. • Josh Wenning Waterford School District Kurzman Administration Building/ Crary Campus 501 North Cass Lake Road Waterford, MI 48328 (248) 706-4863 WenniJ01@wsdmi.org