Michigan Senate Bill SB0796

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/14/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

Education: school districts; letter grade system for ranking public schools; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1280h.

Impact

If enacted, SB0796 will require that by the end of December 2024, the Michigan Department of Education assigns a letter grade (A, B, C, D, or F) to each public school and makes this information publicly available on their official website. Furthermore, schools will be obliged to display their assigned grades prominently on their own websites by January 31, 2025. This legislated grading system aims to create a standardized method for measuring school performance across Michigan, which could potentially affect funding, enrollment, and the overall reputation of schools based on these grades.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 796 (SB0796) proposes to amend 1976 PA 451, titled 'The Revised School Code,' by introducing a new section that establishes a letter-grade system for assessing public schools in Michigan. The bill mandates the development of this letter-grade system by December 31, 2024, which must correspond to score ranges derived from the Michigan School Index System or a similar system that adheres to federal accountability laws under the Every Student Succeeds Act. The implementation of this system is intended to enhance transparency and foster competition among schools by providing clear performance metrics to parents and stakeholders.

Contention

The introduction of a letter-grade system is likely to evoke discussions regarding its effectiveness and fairness. Proponents argue that such a system will provide clear and accessible information to families, helping them make informed decisions about their children's education. Opponents, however, may view this grading approach as overly simplistic and potentially detrimental, arguing that it could unfairly stigmatize schools that serve disadvantaged communities or have unique challenges, thus perpetuating educational inequities.