HB-4410 Summary

• Requires school districts and public school academies to adopt rigorous, transparent, and fair effectiveness assessment systems for teachers and school administrators, with at least 45% of evaluation based on student growth in academic achievement.

• Establishes the Michigan Merit Standard requiring high school students to complete specific credits: 4 in mathematics (including algebra I, geometry, and algebra II), 4 in English language arts, 3 in science (including biology and chemistry or physics), 3 in social science, 1 in health/physical education, 1 in visual/performing/applied arts, 2 in foreign language, and 1 online course or learning experience.

• Allows students to request personal curriculum modifications after grade 9 that can waive certain Michigan Merit Standard requirements if approved by a team including parents, teachers, and school counselors, with additional modifications possible for students with disabilities or transferring from out-of-state/nonpublic schools.

• Permits up to 15 high schools designated as specialty schools to be exempt from English language arts and social science credit requirements if they meet specified criteria including strong ACT scores, 85% graduation rates, and 75% postsecondary enrollment.

• Requires school districts and public school academies to develop educational development plans for students in grades 7-8 to help them identify career goals and prepare for high school course selection.