From: Whipple, Deb (GOV)
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2010 4:44 PM
Subject: What the governor is talking about today
What the Governor’s Talking about Today
Friday, April 16, 2010
 
Governor Marks Fourth Anniversary of Rigorous High School Curriculum
 
In her weekly radio address, the governor today said that next week marks the fourth anniversary of the creation of a rigorous college prep curriculum for Michigan high school students.
 
“In my 2006 State of the State address, I called on the legislature to adopt recommendations for a new curriculum that were approved by the State Board of Education,” the governor said.  “Legislation was passed, and I signed it into law on April 20, 2006.”
 
“When members of the Class of 2011 receive their high school diplomas next year, they’ll have completed at least four years of math, four years of English, three years of science, three years of social studies, two years of a foreign language and one year of the arts,” the governor continued.  “Rounding out the requirements are an online learning experience and one year of physical education and health.”
 
“Next week, there will be an education summit in Lansing,” the governor said.  “Educators from across the state will gather to discuss what more needs to be done to move Michigan in the direction that education reform is headed nationally.  While we may differ on how to get there, we all share the same goal:  providing Michigan children with the very best education possible to compete in the global economy.”
 
To listen to the radio address, click on the following link:  http://www.michigan.gov/documents/gov/Gov245Full_318080_7.mp3
 
Key messages:
 
•  The more rigorous curriculum is an essential part of our efforts to diversify Michigan’s economy and keep young people in our state.  Our goal is to double the number of college graduates in Michigan.
 
•  If Michigan is to compete in a global economy and attract jobs and investment here, we must have a well-educated workforce.  What this curriculum does is to help ensure that every high school graduate in Michigan is prepared for college or technical training.
 
•  In the radio address, the governor renews her call for no more cuts to K-12 education, saying she will not sign a budget that cuts school funding.
 
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