Alert: Major Changes Coming To Michigan High Schools

Looks like they're shaking things up again with the Michigan High School Curriculum—new rules are coming in, and they're about to make things a little different for everyone.

Here's what's changing in the coming year.

Major Changes Coming to Michigan High Schools

Starting with the class of 2027, Michigan is making a big change to how students approach their education, especially when it comes to practical skills. According to Section 380.1278a of the Revised School Code, any student entering 8th grade in 2023 must now take a ½ credit course in personal finance.

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This isn't just some elective you can breeze through; it's a requirement that’s designed to make sure students leave school with a solid understanding of how to manage money—something that, frankly, should have been emphasized a long time ago.

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and the State Board of Education (SBE) have set the expectations for this course, which means it’s going to be thorough. The idea is to weave financial literacy into the curriculum in a meaningful way, replacing ½ credit of math, arts, or a foreign language, depending on what the school board decides.

This flexibility is crucial because it allows schools to tailor the curriculum based on what they feel is best for their students. Whether it’s part of a math class, an art project, or even a foreign language exercise, personal finance is becoming an integral part of the learning experience.

What’s also interesting is that this requirement can be met through a career and technical education program, as long as it’s approved by the MDE.

This approach makes the course not just about theory but also about practical, hands-on learning. It’s a smart move because, at the end of the day, knowing how to budget, save, and invest is just as important—if not more so—than some of the more traditional subjects.

In my view, this change is long overdue. The world is getting more complex, and students need the skills to navigate it. Michigan is taking a step in the right direction, and I’m glad to see it.