Michigan Merit Curriculum Personal Curriculum Modification For general

Michigan Merit Curriculum & Personal Curriculum Modification: For general education and special education March 11, 2008 Mason-Lake and Oceana Intermediate School Districts

Table Activity What credits are required for graduation? Which of these credits can be modified for a general education student? Which of these credits can be modified for a special education student?

Getting to Credit must be aligned with subject area content expectations

Personal Curriculum Legislative Requirements: Agreement between the superintendent, parent/guardian, and the student ; initiated by parent Developed by a team that must include at least student parent/guardian counselor/designee school psychologist should be included for students with disabilities Aligned with the EDP Measurable goals Method to evaluate progress Communication of progress with parent PC Leads to a REGULAR dipolma

Allowable Modification for a General Education Student http: //www. michigan. gov/documents/ mde/faq 12_178604_7. pdf No modification of ELA, Science, World Languages, or On-line Learning Specific modifications for math, social studies, VPAA, PE/Health

Mathematics Modification 1 Credit MMC without PC 1 Credit Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry (no sequence required) Modification allowing Algebra II to be taken over two years Algebra I and Geometry (no sequence required) Modification after successful completion of minimum of 2. 5 math credits Students required to take Geometry and Algebra I Modification after successful completion of 2 math credits Algebra I and Geometry (no sequence required) 1 Credit Total Credits Final year math or mathrelated credit 4 Algebra II ½ credit Math or mathrelated credit 4 Algebra II content in CTE Math or math related credit 4

Modifications Health and Physical Education and Visual, Performing and Applied Arts Student takes additional credit beyond the required credits in English Language Arts, Math, Science, or World Languages

Modifications Social Studies The third credit may be modified if the student takes an additional credit (beyond the required credits) in English Language Arts, Math, Science, or World Language 2 credits required, including civics

Subsection (k) Special Education Students Permits consideration of modifications “not otherwise allowed” PC allows some credit “swapping” and some content modification Modification is subject to “demonstration that the modification is necessary because the pupil is a child with a disability” Permits the modification “to be made to the extent necessary”

The modification must be consistent with the Educational Development Plan and the Individualized Education Program This determination is made by at least student parent/guardian counselor/designee school psychologist should be included for students with disabilities

Link to IDEA If a pupil receives special education services, the pupil's IEP shall identify the appropriate course or courses of study and the supports, accommodations, and modifications necessary to allow the pupil to progress in the curricular requirements of the MMC or PC and meet the requirements for a diploma.

Accountability NCLB and IDEA 04 hold State and Public Agencies accountable for the performance of students with disabilities within a structure of state standards. While it is allowable to account for growth and performance for some of these students on alternative achievement standards it is not appropriate to create a different path to graduation.

Accountability IDEA defines what is not a diploma and therefore defines what is a diploma. • Section 300. 102(a)(3), regarding exceptions to FAPE, has been changed to clarify that a regular high school diploma does not include an alternative degree that is not fully aligned with the State’s academic standards, such as a certificate or a general educational development credential (GED). In this context, nothing from the MDE can counter the accountability framework that NCLB and IDEA create.

Some Things Seems to Be Very Clear We cannot substitute alternative content and count achievement within that content towards the 18 credit requirements. We cannot reduce the number of credits. The IEP supports but does not trump the graduation requirements. There are no plans for a Special Education curriculum that will lead to a separate diploma. No such thing as a modified diploma. Kids who don’t get a diploma are not doomed to fail in life. Districts can issue alternative certificates but they do not end FAPE.

Transfer Students Student has successfully completed the equivalent of 2 years of high school credit out of state or at a nonpublic school. Districts may use appropriate assessment examinations to determine what credits were earned out of state or at a nonpublic school The Personal Curriculum incorporates as much of the subject area content expectations of the Michigan merit standard as is practicable. Student successfully completes at least 1 mathematics credit during final year of high school. Credit must be at least Algebra 1 if enrolled at least 1 year Next credit above Algebra 1 if student has demonstrated success in Algebra 1 Student must take Civics

Questions / Comments

Michigan Merit Curriculum Personal Curriculum Modification Part II March 11, 2008 Mason-Lake and Oceana Intermediate School Districts

Goals for this session Have in place the forms necessary to make a PC happen in your school district Provide some consistency across districts on the PC process and forms Provide an opportunity for crossdistrict discussions

Discussion Where is your district in the process of developing a PC plan for students? Has anybody had a request for a PC for a student? How will you “advertise” this to parents? Will you “advertise” it?

NC RESA Forms Request Timeline Eligibility Each group look at one form and recommend changes

NC RESA Forms ELA MATH SCIENCE Social studies VPAA On-Line Health World Languages Each group look at one form and recommend changes

Example of a Completed PC How do we fit in the individual HSCE for special education students?

Discussion Cut Scores Assessments for Granting Credit Technology for Tracking Students Next Steps