Strong Alignment of K-12 and College Curriculum is Critical to Student Success
The state universities of Michigan strongly support the alignment of rigorous standards in mathematics, English language arts, science, and social studies for grades K-12. Students’ academic preparedness for the rigors of college-level work is fundamental to their success in higher education. A strong high school curriculum aligned with college standards is integral to student success and should be available to all students. Part of that vital preparation includes an algebra II course, and it should not be substituted for other core requirements without sufficient input from the state universities. The Michigan Department of Education’s academic standards can be viewed here, and its Michigan Merit Curriculum can be viewed here.
Policy Actions:
- Promote state-led collaboration among all stakeholders along Michigan’s elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education continuum to ensure that academically rigorous standards are available to guide instruction for all K-12 students.
- Ensure that any changes to statewide student assessments are done with the involvement and input of the state’s universities.