Michigan House Bill HB5082

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/3/23
• Refer: 10/3/23

Caption

Education: attendance; time pupils spend at recess; allow to be counted as pupil instruction time. Amends sec. 101 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1701). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5081'23

Impact

The legislation impacts the way school districts account for the instructional time by permitting recess to be recognized as part of pupil instruction. This could potentially increase the total hours credited towards the 1,098 hours of instruction required by state law. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate attendance records, as failure to comply with reporting requirements could lead to the withholding of state funding. This aligns funding more closely with actual attendance and engagement levels. The implications may foster more active participation from students during school hours.

Summary

House Bill 5082 amends the State School Aid Act of 1979 to adjust specific requirements related to pupil attendance and the certification process that districts must follow to receive state aid. A notable provision allows recess time to be counted as pupil instruction time, which could result in a significant shift in how schools calculate instructional hours under state regulations. The bill aims to provide more flexibility for districts in managing their attendance reporting while ensuring compliance with state educational mandates.

Contention

While the bill supports the idea of flexibility in educational settings, it has raised some concerns among stakeholders regarding accountability. Some fear that counting recess as instructional time could undermine the rigor of educational hours expected in Michigan schools. Additionally, the bill's requirement for precise reporting and the consequences for districts failing to comply could lead to financial penalties, which might disproportionately affect schools in underserved areas. Balancing the improvements in instructional time recognition with accountability measures will likely be an ongoing discussion among educators and legislators.