Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

Michigan Senate Bill SB0535

Introduced
9/27/23  

Caption

Education: attendance; time pupils spend at recess; allow to be counted as pupil instruction time. Amends 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1601 - 388.1896) by adding sec. 101a. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0534'23

Impact

The legislation intends to formalize the significance of recess within the school day, recognizing its potential benefits for child development, including social interaction and physical activity. By counting recess as instructional time, the bill aims to encourage schools to prioritize this part of the day, thereby enhancing the overall educational experience for younger students. The bill's provisions seek to ensure that all students have consistent access to unstructured playtime, recognizing it as essential for cognitive and emotional growth.

Summary

Senate Bill 535 aims to amend the state school aid act of 1979 in Michigan by establishing clear guidelines for recess as part of pupil instruction time. The bill stipulates that recess can be counted as instructional time provided certain conditions are met. It is designed for students in grades K-5 but may also include students above grade 5. Recess must be unstructured and child-directed, allowing for free play, though organized games are permissible under specified conditions. Importantly, the use of electronic devices during recess is generally prohibited unless required by a student's individual educational plan.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to improve school environments and promote the importance of play, there may be concerns about its implementation. Questions arise regarding how schools will adapt to incorporate the mandated recess time without compromising other educational priorities. Additionally, some stakeholders might argue about the feasibility of enforcing such regulations uniformly across diverse school districts, especially those with varying resources. The requirement that recess not be withheld for disciplinary reasons could also prompt discussions around school discipline policies and the management of student behavior.

Companion Bills

MI SB0534

Same As 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: SB 0535'23

Previously Filed As

MI HB5081

Education: attendance; time pupils spend at recess; allow to be counted as pupil instruction time. Amends 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1601 - 388.1896) by adding sec. 101a.

MI SB0534

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: SB 0535'23

MI HB5082

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

MI HB6292

Education: school choice; enrollment of nonresident pupils; modify. Amends secs. 3, 6, 20, 105, 105c & 111 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1603 et seq.) & adds sec. 105d.

MI HB4345

School aid: penalties; exception to minimum days of pupil instruction requirement for district closure during a declared state of emergency; provide for. Amends sec. 101 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1701).

MI SB0212

School aid: penalties; exception to minimum days of pupil instruction requirement for district closure during a declared state of emergency; provide for. Amends sec. 101 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1701).

MI SB0023

School aid: membership; requirements concerning counting pupils in membership; modify for pupils enrolled in certain work-based learning experiences. Amends secs. 6 & 11 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1606 & 388.1611) & adds sec. 61e.

MI HB4082

School aid: membership; requirements concerning counting pupils in membership; modify for pupils enrolled in certain work-based learning experiences. Amends secs. 6 & 11 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1606 & 388.1611) & adds sec. 61e.

MI SB0059

School aid: membership; requirements concerning counting pupils in membership; modify for pupils enrolled in certain work-based learning experiences. Amend secs. 6 & 11 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1606 & 388.1611) & adds sec. 61e.

MI SB0012

Education: elementary; requirements related to the retention of certain grade 3 pupils; modify. Amends sec. 1280f of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1280f).

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.