State Rep. Brian BeGole today voted for a plan that will help position Michigan students for career opportunities and better meet their needs, while giving local schools greater flexibility to create innovative programs.

“For some students, traditional classroom models don’t reflect how they learn best,” said BeGole, of Antrim Township, noting that Michigan’s outdated seat-time requirements currently mandate 1,098 instructional hours over 180 days and make it difficult for schools to offer more personalized, real-world learning opportunities. “This plan is tailored for student success. If certain school districts have interest from students in certain programs, they can meet those demands. Internships count for course credit in college. Why wouldn’t we look at something similar in place of high school class time where it makes sense and is providing a learning environment beneficial to a particular student’s future?

“Through record per-pupil funding in our House budget plan, reforms we recently passed that will ensure uniform reading standards for grade school students, and helping young people enter the workforce and start their livelihoods with experience, House Republicans are leading on a better way forward for our kids.”

House Bills 5983-5984 would empower school districts to establish innovative programs where students can learn through career and technical education, work-based learning, internships, and apprenticeships.  Students could earn their high school diploma by demonstrating mastery of academic skills, rather than simply logging hours in a classroom.

Under the plan, any innovative program would require approval from the Michigan Department of Education before being offered, and students could participate by opting in with parental consent.

House Bills 5983-5984 now advance to the Senate for further consideration.