Michigan Senate Bill SB0712

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/7/24

Caption

Education: elementary; requirements for addressing reading deficiencies and informing parents and legal guardians; modify. Amends sec. 1280f of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1280f).

Impact

The legislation is poised to significantly enhance educational practices within elementary schools, particularly those serving younger grades. It requires the development of individualized reading improvement plans for students who exhibit reading deficiencies, reinforcing the accountability of school districts to address these challenges effectively. Notably, the bill emphasizes not only the identification of issues but also the need for regular progress assessments to inform both educational strategies and parental engagement, ultimately fostering a collaborative approach to literacy development.

Summary

Senate Bill 712 aims to improve reading proficiency among K-3 students in Michigan by mandating schools to adopt structured reading assessment and intervention strategies. It specifically amends the Revised School Code to ensure that students are adequately screened and receive necessary reading support if identified as having deficiencies. Schools must implement screening tools that are reliable and informative, monitoring progress consistently and ensuring the results are communicated to parents and guardians to facilitate home support for students.

Contention

While the bill is primarily aimed at improving student literacy outcomes, there are concerns related to the implementation burden it places on schools, such as the training required for teachers and the need for suitable staffing levels to support the outlined interventions. Critics may argue that the extra requirements for engaging parents and tracking literacy progress could strain resources, particularly in underfunded districts. Furthermore, there might be discussions regarding the adequacy of the proposed assessment tools and the possible implications for teacher evaluations tied to student performance data.