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MIRS, September 2, 2009

 
Legislation that adds flexibility to the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) by providing for ways to obtain a diploma without taking traditional algebra II passed the House today, 97-10.

Rep. Joel Sheltrown (D-West Branch) has been working on the concept of HB 4410 for more than two years -- almost dating back to when the MMC was enacted in 2006. Initially, Sheltrown was considered as somewhat of a maverick on the topic, but as the issue played out, it became increasingly apparent that many within the state's education community agreed with him that the curriculum should be more flexible.

By the time HB 4410 moved out of committee a couple of weeks ago, virtually the entire array of the state's education-oriented groups supported it (See "Curriculum Flexibility Bills Move," 8/19/09).

Today, Sheltrown credited his GOP colleague, Rep. Richard BALL (R-Bennington Twp.), with predicting the need for more flexibility within the MMC, back when the curriculum was originally adopted.

"At that time, the good Representative from Owosso said we will be back here later on to fix it," Sheltrown recalled. "It comes down to this: one size does not fit all."

The House members who voted "no" on the bill today were Reps:
Vicki BARNETT (D-Farmington Hills), Marie DONIGAN (D-Royal Oak), Kenneth HORN (R-Frankenmuth), Kenneth KURTZ (R-Coldwater), Ellen Cogan LIPTON (D-Huntington Woods), Pete LUND (R-Shelby Twp.), Paul OPSOMMER (R-DeWitt), Phillip PAVLOV (R-St. Clair), Paul SCOTT (R-Grand Blanc), and Jim STAMAS (R-Midland).

Meanwhile, the Senate version of a MMC flexibility bill (SB 0698), sponsored by Senate Education Committee Chair Sen. Wayne KUIPERS (R-Holland), has been reported out of committee and is currently on the Senate floor.

A potential obstacle Sheltrown's bill might run into in the Senate is that he has had problems getting his legislation through that chamber in the past because of his pending Senate bid. However, his name may have become so synonymous with the issue that there might be no point in stalling HB 4410 for this reason.

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