Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

Michigan Senate Bill SB0713

Introduced

2/7/24

Refer

2/7/24

Caption

Education: other; student retention; allow parent or legal guardian to request that the parent’s or legal guardian’s child be retained in a grade level for a specified school year. Amends sec. 1137 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1137).

Impact

The bill is set to take effect beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, requiring parents to submit written requests by July 1 of each year. This change is expected to significantly influence the enrollment practices of school districts, potentially leading to higher retention rates in certain grade levels. School boards will need to adapt their policies to accommodate this new requirement, which may lead to increased administrative responsibilities and impact educational outcomes for students retained at the same grade level.

Summary

Senate Bill 713 amends the revised school code of Michigan (1976 PA 451) by modifying section 1137. This amendment grants parents and legal guardians specific rights concerning the education of their children. It allows them to review teaching materials, observe classroom activities, and most notably, requests that their child be retained in the same grade level for the upcoming school year if they choose. This provision aims to empower parents by acknowledging their role in their child's education and ensuring their active participation in the educational process.

Contention

While the bill emphasizes parental rights in education, it may spark debate among educators and administrators regarding its implications for student success and resource allocation. Critics may argue that automatic retention based on parental requests could either hinder educational progression for some students or overburden school districts with increased retention rates. Furthermore, the requirement for transparency in policies and deadlines could lead to differing interpretations among school boards, potentially resulting in inconsistencies across districts in how these rights are implemented.

Latest MI SB0713 Activity

View All Events: MI 2023-2024 Regular Session SB0713

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MI HB5374

Education: other; parent's bill of rights and responsibilities; create. Amends sec. 1137 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1137).

MI HB5330

Education: other; notification to parents and legal guardians of any long-term impact decision made by or on behalf of child; require. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 10b.

MI HB5337

Education: curriculum; sex education, instruction in reproductive health, and instruction concerning communicable diseases; limit to grades 4 and above and allow for the provision of certain educational materials to parents and legal guardians. Amends secs. 1169, 1506, 1507 & 1507b of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1169 et seq.).

MI SB0712

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

MI HB5451

Education: school districts; information regarding the safe storage of firearms; require districts to provide to parents and legal guardians. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1313b.

MI SB0376

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

MI SB1697

Relating to allowing parents and guardians to elect for a student to repeat or retake a course or grade.

MI HB5861

Education: other; office of the student victims' rights ombudsman; create. Amends sec. 1535a of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1535a) & adds sec. 1179c.

MI SB0567

Education: other; prescreening for dyslexia in public schools; provide for. Amends sec. 1280f of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1280f).

MI S1166

Allows parents or legal custodians separated from their children because of immigration matters to appoint standby guardians.

Similar Bills

MI HB6248

Education: curriculum; 1 unit of instruction in African-American, Indigenous People, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latin American, Hispanic American, Caribbean American, Arab American, North African, Chaldean American, and Jewish American history; require. Amends sec. 1278 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278) & adds secs. 1164, 1164a, 1164c, 1164d, 1164e & 1164f.