LANSING - Changes to high school graduation requirements allows for vocational studies.

One of the sponsors for the bills, Representative Gary Howell, said he saw an opportunity for change.

"I have been concerned for some years that we made the merit curriculum difficult for those who want to pursue vocational education."

Four bills have been sent to the Senate. The first three bills would give students a choice in the classes they are required to take.

Bill 4318 would give students a choice of taking algebra 2 or statistics.

"Statistics is more relevant to a business career," Howell said.

Bill 4317 would give students a choice in taking a standard health class or the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health class for credit.

Bill 4316 would make the choice for students to take vocational credits instead of foreign language credits permanent.

Bill 4315 is a broader bill which would give students more options in completing the curriculum requirements.

The bills were presented to the House at the end of March and have been sent to the Senate.