By REBECCA ROCHO

I agree with Jim Sandy ("State must maintain new graduation requirements," April 16), as do our superintendents, that the Michigan Legislature just enacted the Michigan Merit Curriculum and should not rush to judgment about students' ability to successfully complete one of the most rigorous high school core curricula in the US. However, I also agree with Alan Houser ("Unintended consequences in new grad requirements," April 27) that the general public is not aware of the significant nature in which access to such curriculum will impact all students - not just our traditional "college-bound" students.

In point of fact, the new Michigan Merit Curriculum doesn't drastically increase requirements for some students; many students in Michigan schools have taken such a curriculum and were able to be successful. However, the difference lies in the fact that Michigan has mandated this curriculum for all students that receive a Michigan high school diploma, beginning with the students just completing ninth grade across the state.

The Legislature did have the foresight to anticipate that some students might struggle to meet this curriculum and has put steps in place for educators and parents of high school students to more frequently discuss their student's progress in school and what supports might be necessary to help all students be successful. There are also provisions that allow for personal curriculum changes to be made for certain students upon a parent's request in collaboration with school officials.

Unfortunately, Alan Houser indicated that the legislation makes no provision for students with disabilities and that is simply not the case. Specific provisions have been made for such personal curriculum changes to be made, again in collaboration with parents, educators and students. We work hard to provide students with the education they will need to prosper in their adult lives; this includes the opportunity to seek and excel in jobs that do not require a four-year liberal arts degree but will require career and technical training.

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Rebecca Rocho is assistant superintendent/general services and legislation for the Calhoun Intermediate School District.

Source: Battle Creek Enquirer, 6.11.08