Sheltrown Not Giving Up
Despite pushback from the Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM administration, the sponsor of a dual high school diploma system is pushing onward.
Rep. Joel SHELTROWN (D-West Branch) reported he would begin meetings with the chair of the House Education Committee and form a workgroup to map out an alternative to the traditional high school diploma. His vision is based on the vocational education model aimed at carpenters, mechanics, homebuilders and the like.
The Northern Michigan Democrat, who has had disagreements with the Governor's office before, said he remains committed to finding another diploma path for those who don't want a four-year education but need a high school diploma nonetheless.
Sheltrown said there has been some talk about an "off ramp" from the newly enacted high school curriculum standards. It's those standards that the Governor and state Superintendent Mike FLANAGAN do not want to touch, but Sheltrown added they must be touched because the state is facing a "train wreck" by 2011, when some students will be unable to meet the tougher standards and may drop out of school.
"I'm not lowering the standards. I have a different curriculum," he argued.
"Some are talking about a completion certificate," he reported, but quickly added, "The parents want a diploma for their children."
He argued the Governor can "keep her tough standards" under his proposal. He said he just wants a different degree for those not interested in college.
(Contributed by Senior Capitol Correspondent Tim SKUBICK).