MI HB5697

K-5 teachers, special education teachers, and all personnel involved in literacy instruction must complete state-approved professional learning on reading instruction by the 2029-2030 school year, including those with full-year substitute permits.

The Michigan Department of Education must approve a single provider within 90 days of the bill's effective date to offer training based on scientifically-based reading research, covering phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, spelling, and how the brain learns to read.

Training must include embedded assessments throughout each unit and a summative assessment for successful completion, along with instruction on using screening and diagnostic data within a multitiered system of supports.

School districts must report annually to the department beginning in 2026-2027 on the number and percentage of staff who have completed training, with phased implementation leading to full compliance by 2029-2030.

The legislature is required to annually appropriate sufficient funds to implement the training requirements.