Postsecondary Transitions
Preparing Michigan Students for Work and College Success
Source: Michigan Department of Education
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/hs_research_doc_149897_7.pdf
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This report lays out the justification that the state of Michigan used for raising its requirements for students to receive a standard diploma. Using a wide array of research and data, this report shows the state's previous graduation requirements fell far short in the context of the rapidly evolving world beyond high school. With the Michigan Merit Curriculum, the state moved from requiring only one-half credit in civics to requiring 4 credits of math and English, 3 credits of science and social studies, and one credit each of physical education and some type of art.

The report clearly lays out the need to improve graduation requirements, the impact of increasing graduation requirements on the economy of the state, and looks at trends that show how studying each subject leads to increased performance in other areas. As the move toward increasing graduation requirements becomes more common, states will find this document useful as they seek ways to measure their own graduation requirements.

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Background and Context
In many states, recent legislation or gubernatorial priorities have focused attention on increasing access for high school students to post-secondary options. Small learning communities, advisory systems, individual learning plans, AP and IB classes, dual enrollment programs, exit exams, and the push to increase rigor of high school classes and graduation requirements are approaches states use to guide students through graduation and help them make successful transitions into college.