Gov. Jennifer Granholm last year called for the more rigorous courses in an effort to make Michigan’s workers more competitive. The state now requires only a half-credit civics course, with other requirements set by the local districts.
Rep. David Hildenbrand, R-Lowell, voted for the graduation requirements even though he was leading an effort to delete Algebra II from them. A vote to drop Algebra II wasn’t taken, but Hildenbrand said he will try when the legislation comes back from the Senate.
“I’m all for rigor, and I think Algebra II is right for most kids, but not every kid,” he said after the vote. “I think it’s important that we have that local flexibility.”