Personal Curriculum (PC)

The Personal Curriculum (PC) is a tool for modifying the Michigan Merit Curriculem (MMC) in order to individualize the rigor and relevance of the state graduation requirements. All students are eligible for a Personal Curriculum with different populations of students falling under different rules for modifications allowed. State statute allows personal curriculum modification in order to:

  • Go beyond the academic credit requirements by adding more math, science, English language arts, or world languages credits; or completing a department-approved formal career and technical education program.

  • Modify the State Content Standards for Mathematics.

  • Modify, when necessary, the credit requirements of a student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

  • Modify credit requirements for a student who transfers from out of state or from a nonpublic school and is unable to meet the MMC requirements.

  • Understanding this educational option will help in making informed decisions about your student’s educational experience and path to earning a high school diploma.  

Basic Steps to a PC

Step 1: The parent, school personnel, student age 18 or older, or emancipated student requests a PC.

Step 2: The PC team meets (student, parent, counselor or designee, and/or teacher(s) who currently teaches the student or has expertise in the content being modified). The PC team reviews student information, performance data, and supports—including the EDP—and develops a PC. The PC team develops measurable performance goals for the modified content and methods to evaluate the achievement of those goals.

Step 3: The PC team writes agreement and gets sign-off from the superintendent or chief executive and the parent or legal guardian (or emancipated student).

 Step 4: The PC is implemented.

 Step 5: The parent or emancipated student monitors progress with each teacher of modified content area. If revisions to the PC are needed, the PC team reconvenes and makes revisions using the same process. Step 6: The student is awarded a diploma upon completing all PC requirements.

If you are interested on more information on a personal curriculum, more information is available at :   Michigan Department of Education - Personal Curriculum