Michigan Senate Bill SB0714

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/7/24

Caption

Education: teachers and administrators; science of reading training for tutors; require. Amends sec. 23g of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1623g).

Impact

SB 714 is expected to have a significant impact on educational funding and student outcomes within Michigan's public education system. By establishing a structured program and fund allocation strategy, the bill aims to tackle unfinished learning and assist students at risk of falling behind. The funds will be used for various implementation costs, including staffing, training, and materials, enabling schools to create a more robust support mechanism for students in need. Moreover, the requirement for schools to implement progress monitoring and report on student outcomes ensures accountability and effectiveness in the application of these funds.

Summary

Senate Bill 714 amends the state school aid act of 1979 to allocate funding for the MI Kids Back-on-Track program aimed at improving literacy and math proficiency among K-12 students in Michigan. The bill designates up to $150,000,000 from the state school aid fund specifically for this educational initiative for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The program provides targeted funding to eligible recipients—such as local educational agencies—allowing for the deployment of tutoring programs that focus on students who are not proficient in mathematics or reading as assessed by state standards. The focus of the tutoring is to provide high-impact strategies that align with evidence-based practices, especially the science of reading.

Contention

While the bill is largely positioned to enhance educational outcomes, there may be points of contention regarding resource allocation and the performance measurement criteria established within the program. Some educators and advocacy groups might raise concerns about the adequacy of the $150,000,000 allocation in addressing the diverse needs of students across various districts, especially those in underserved communities. Additionally, the mandate for regular progress monitoring and reporting on student data may come with administrative burdens that some schools argue could detract from direct instructional time. Stakeholders may also have differing opinions on the choice of tutoring programs included in the MiStrategyBank, which implies a standardization that might not cater to local preferences or specific demographic needs.