Detroit Free Press, others cover Michigan Merit Curriculum study

October 22, 2012

The Detroit Free Press reported on a new study from the Michigan Consortium for Educational Research , of which the Ford School Education Policy Initiative is a member, assessing the impact of the Michigan Merit Curriculum.

The study analyzed the first set of students subject to the curriculum's new education requirements and found slightly reduced graduation rates among students who entered high school with weak academic skills. For those who entered with strong skills, the curriculum did not have an impact on their high school completion rates.

"The results may change as schools and teachers gain experience with the curriculum," said Susan Dynarski, one of the study's authors. "As more students complete their high school years, we will find out whether the curriculum boosts college attendance and success, a key goal of the reform."

The report was also covered in the Detroit News, Michigan Radio, and Michigan State University news.

[Read more about the report]