1. Current Issue in education By: Raychel Payne

2. Are Elective Teachers in Trouble with new Michigan Merit Requirements?

3. A number of high school elective courses are being cut because of the new curriculum requirements. Many instrumental music programs are affected by these changes.

4. Why New Michigan Merit Curriculum? Preparing students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. Rigorous requirements among the best in the nation. Students will be well prepared for college and future jobs. Graduation rate projected for 85%. Government Support.

5. New Michigan Merit Requirements 4 Credits For Language Arts 4 Credits For Mathematics 3 Credits For Science 3 Credits For Social Studies 2 Credits For Foreign Language 1 Credit For Health 1 Credit For The Arts TOTAL: 18 Credits

6. How Does This Affect Students? Cover more difficult topics at a younger age. More pressure to do well in classes. Smaller number of class choices. Less variety in courses.

7. How Does This Affect Students? (con.) Less opportunities for students interested in: Music Health Nutrition Business Life Skills and Development

8. Classes in the Elective category are just as important as Core Subject Curriculum classes in preparing students for the future.

9. How Does This Affect Teachers? Limited job opportunities for future elective course teachers. Potential threat to existing elective teaching positions. Potential loss of current teachers jobs.

10. Importance of Electives Business Many Jobs. Prepare for college. Music Students are passionate about it. Large part of our culture. Health and Nutrition Good knowledge to promote healthy lifestyles. Life Skills Prepare students for real life experiences.

11. What is being done to help? Government sees no problems with requirements. Many elective teachers stepping up. Promote awareness of the importance of elective classes. Present Future…

12. Overview New Merit Requirements: About them. Affects on teachers and students. Importance of Electives.

13. References Photos Business Education Author: viagallery.com URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/viagallery/2110571280/ Apple Author: Pink Sherbet Photography URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinksherbet/1072950486/ Music Lesson 1 Author: Nathanrussel URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nathanrussell/2976465113/sizes/l/ Music Lesson 2 Author: nathanrussel URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nathanrussell/2976461523/

14. References (con.) Information Bibliography Michigan Department of Education. (2009, September 2). Department of Education. Retrieved October 2009, from Michigan Department of Education: www.michigan.gov/mde Michigan State Board of Education. (2009). Grade Level Content Expectations. Retrieved October 2009, from Michigan Department of Education: www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Item_B_213997_7.pdf Vanessa Keesler, A. W. (2008). Calculating the Ability Within-School Teacher Supply to meet Demands of New Requirements: The Example of the Michigan Merit Curriculum. ERIC , All pages.