2026-2027 TSD Course Description Book - Flipbook - Page 7
Personal Curriculum
A Personal Curriculum is an option for a student and their family to explore to modify certain elements of the Michigan Merit
Curriculum (MMC) graduation requirements. Modifications are intended to meet individual learning needs of students, allow students
to earn a high school diploma, and provide preparation for life after high school. A Personal Curriculum must be congruent with the
post-secondary plans outlined in the student’s Educational Development Plan (EDP). Please contact your student’s counselor for more
information. Additionally, more information can be found at the link below from the State of Michigan:
https://www.michigan.gov/en/mde/Services/academic-standards/mmc/personal-curriculum
Independent Study
Independent Study refers to self-directed learning programs, with teacher guidance, provided as an alternative to traditional schooling,
allowing flexible learning for students needing personalized, non-classroom settings, like those with unique needs or seeking advanced
study. If you are interested in pursuing an independent study course, please speak with your school counselor who can provide you
with the necessary forms. Independent Study applications must be submitted to your counselor by April 15. Forms must be approved
by the supporting teacher, school counselor and building administrator.
Seal of Biliteracy
The Michigan Seal of Biliteracy (MI-SoBL) celebrates high school students who can show they are skilled in English and another
language. Students can earn this recognition through several approved pathways. This seal encourages students to keep learning world
languages and to value their home or heritage languages. It also helps employers see who has strong language skills, and it can be a
helpful bonus for students when applying to colleges or deciding on course placement. Please contact your student’s counselor for
more information. https://app.smore.com/n/qk6cr4
Test Out
Troy School District will annually provide a test-out option for students to demonstrate their preceding knowledge and understanding
of course content that meets or exceeds the Troy School District content expectations associated with the subject credit area. Students
are eligible to attempt to test out of any Troy School District graduation required course. Middle School students are not eligible to
test out of high school courses until the spring of 8th grade. Successful performance on the test (minimum of 77%) allows a student to
be placed in the next course level in sequence. Successful performance on the test (minimum of 77%) will be acknowledged on the
transcript with a G grade (credit, no grade). The earned credit will enumerate towards graduation requirements. There will be no
record on the transcript of an unsuccessful attempt to test out. Students wishing to test out of a class must complete the appropriate
forms located in PowerSchool (under Forms) by the required deadline in the spring of each school year.
OSTC
Overview Oakland Schools Technical Campus – Southeast (OSTC-SE) is an extension of your high school. By attending your high
school half of the day and the technical campus the other half of the day, you are experiencing a full academic day. OSTC-SE offers
students opportunities to explore career areas, prepare for specific college/ advanced training majors, or acquire the skills to go
directly into the job market. A number of the programs at OSTC SE qualify students for advanced standing or college credit. Students
may elect to attend OSTC-SE for one or two years. The second year of a program is designed to provide advanced work,
specialization, and a certificate of completion. The following programs are offered to juniors and seniors on a selective basis.
Credits: OSTC will recommend high school credit based on the local district requirement (generally 1.5 credits per semester) and issue
a grade upon successful completion of the cluster requirements. There are limited prerequisites for attending OSTC. Additional
academic credit available upon request. Remaining credits will be earned at the student’s home school. All OSTC students must carry
a credit load comparable to regular high school. If regular students carry six (6) credits, the OSTC students must carry three (3) credits
at their home high school in addition to three (3) credits at OSTC.
