MI SB1284

School districts and public school academies identified as among the lowest achieving 5% of schools and lacking effective early intervention programs are strongly encouraged to develop and implement an early intervention program by the 2010-2011 school year.

Programs must provide comprehensive literacy and numeracy curriculum in elementary schools, daily instruction in grades K-3, ongoing universal screening using scientifically research-based tools, and additional intervention services for students not meeting grade-level benchmarks.

Schools must provide written notice to parents by the end of the first semester if their K-3 student (expanding to K-4 in 2011-2012 and grade 7 in 2014-2015) fails to meet grade-level benchmarks in English language arts or mathematics, including information on home support strategies.

Grades 5 and 8 intervention programs must include literacy or numeracy instruction plus initiatives to improve classroom behavior and social skills, including adult advocates, goal-setting, recognition of accomplishments, and partnerships with community-based providers.

Optional complementary initiatives for middle and high schools include teacher professional development, career academies, work-related experiences, college preparation assistance, and assignment of adult advocates to at-risk students with low caseloads and regular meeting times.