This bill updates Michigan's high school graduation requirements by amending existing sections and adding new provisions to the state's school code. It directly affects all public school districts and academies by establishing specific credit mandates for mathematics, social science, health, arts, and foreign languages. Key changes include clarifying math pathways that allow career and technical education courses to count toward algebra II, mandating online learning experiences for every student, and requiring two credits in a language other than English.
This bill requires Michigan high schools to mandate a one-semester civics course and eventually require students to pass the civics portion of the U.S. naturalization test to earn graduation credit. It directs the state to update social studies curriculum standards and assessments to align with the current naturalization test questions by May 2018. The law applies to all public and nonpublic schools but includes exemptions for students with specific educational needs or those in military service.
This bill requires Michigan school districts and public academies to adopt elementary reading curricula from a list approved by the state education department. To support this goal, the legislation mandates that the department approve specific reading assessments designed to monitor student progress while minimizing disruptions to instructional time. Additionally, the bill outlines detailed duties for district literacy coaches, ensuring they focus on evidence-based reading instruction and data analysis rather than administrative tasks. These changes aim to help more third-grade students achieve proficient scores on state English language arts assessments through structured curriculum adoption and targeted teacher support.
HB 5919 creates a new statewide school district called the Learner-First District to offer parents and students additional educational choices beyond traditional local school districts. The bill defines this new district as a public entity that covers the entire state and allows parents to hire independent contractors, such as teachers, directly to provide instruction to their children. Key provisions establish rules for mastery-based learning, where students progress based on demonstrating knowledge rather than time spent in class, and outline how the district will operate under the supervision of the state board of education.
This bill requires Michigan school districts and public academies receiving specific weighted funding to use those funds for student achievement, including literacy, math, and direct English language development instruction. To qualify for this aid, districts must administer standardized English proficiency tests, implement a data-driven multi-tiered support system for all grades, and report detailed information to parents and the state department about how the money is spent. The legislation also mandates that districts allow state audits of their records and permits up to 2% of the funds to cover administrative costs related to compliance. Importantly, the bill will only take effect if a companion bill establishing the specific funding formula is also passed into law.
HB 5775 amends Michigan's individual income tax law to create a new tax exemption for post-graduation scholarship grants. This change directly affects individuals who receive these specific scholarship awards, allowing them to exclude that income from their state taxable income. The bill modifies Section 30 of the Income Tax Act by adding a new provision that treats post-graduation scholarship grants similarly to other educational benefits currently exempt from taxation. By removing these grants from taxable income, the legislation reduces the amount of state tax residents must pay on this specific source of funding.
Senate Resolution 108 officially designates April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month in Michigan. This resolution aims to raise public awareness about the importance of personal financial education and encourages various groups, including schools and businesses, to hold related programs during the month. The bill does not create new laws or change existing regulations but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight financial education initiatives already supported by state law and community organizations.
This bill requires teacher preparation programs in Michigan to include specific training on the science of reading and dyslexia by September 2027. Programs preparing educators for reading, language arts, special education, or school psychology roles must teach evidence-based methods grounded in structured literacy for students with dyslexia and for the general student population. The legislation also mandates that all teacher training programs cover the characteristics of dyslexia, its secondary effects on learning and behavior, and how to use multi-tiered support systems in classrooms. If a program does not focus on these specific subject areas, the state department may grant a waiver for some requirements, provided the waiver is reviewed every two years.
This bill modifies Michigan's school aid act to adjust how state funding is withheld from school districts that fail to meet minimum instructional day requirements due to closures. It specifically creates an exception for districts losing instructional days to conditions beyond their control, allowing them to avoid penalties for those specific days while maintaining a lower attendance threshold of 60% instead of the standard 75% for added calendar days. The legislation also clarifies that hours or days lost during strikes or teacher conferences do not count toward the minimum instructional requirements. By updating these rules, the bill aims to provide flexibility for districts facing unexpected closures while ensuring they still adhere to core accountability standards for student attendance and instruction.
This bill designates the week of May 4-8, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week throughout Michigan. It directly affects teachers, students, parents, and the general public by encouraging them to recognize and thank educators for their contributions. The resolution contains no new laws or funding, but rather serves as a formal declaration to honor the teaching profession.
