House Passes Third Grade Reading Bill

After several discussions and changes to the bill, the House passed HB 4822 with a 57-48 vote. This bill would require students to read at a third grade level before moving up to fourth grade, with some exceptions. This bill aims to help schools by giving them more tools to assist with literacy between kindergarten and third grade. It also hopes to provide better intervention and coaching opportunities for struggling students.

House Education Minority Vice Chair Adam Zemke (D-Ann Arbor) was among critics who feel this legislation will fail children who are trying to improve their reading. Zemke was originally a co-sponsor on this bill. House Democrats also argued parents are too removed from the process and their voices are non-existent.

Representative Amanda Price (R-Park Township), sponsor of the bill, disagrees and says this bill will help more students succeed than fail. Representative Lee Chatfield (R-Levering) agrees and added that he would rather hold a student back for a year, than the student remain behind for life.

If it becomes law, HB 4822 would take effect in the 2019-2020 school year. The 2016 Fiscal Year budget includes $26.4 million to aid early literacy improvement efforts, and another $4 million that would potentially help with screening.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, October 16, 2015 10:30 AM
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