MI HB4822

Department of Education must approve 3 or more valid reading assessment systems for kindergarten through grade 3, considering factors like instructional time impact, integration of results with instruction, and timely reporting to teachers and parents.

Beginning in 2017-2018 school year, school districts and public school academies must select an approved reading assessment system and assess students in grades K-3 at least 3 times per year, with first assessment within first 30 school days.

Starting with 2019-2020 school year, grade 3 students scoring below proficient on state English language arts assessment cannot advance to grade 4 unless they demonstrate grade 3 reading level through alternative assessment or portfolio review; good cause exemptions available for students with IEPs, limited English proficiency, prior retention, or other circumstances.

School districts and academies must provide intensive reading intervention for students with reading deficiencies, including evidence-based instruction in the 5 major reading components (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension), individual reading improvement plans, and parent engagement strategies.

Department must recommend or develop early literacy coach model to support K-3 teachers in professional development, data analysis, evidence-based reading instruction implementation, and coaching; early literacy coaches must have bachelor's degree, classroom teaching experience, and advanced training in reading instruction.