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HB 4159

Education: curriculum; core academic curriculum requirements; modify. Amends sec. 1278 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cam Cavitt and 10 co-sponsors

HB 4159 requires K–6 reading to follow the science of reading with structured literacy, and K–5 math standards updated by 2026–27/28 to emphasize problem-based learning and interve

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · HB 4159

Summary — HB 4159 (Revised School Code; MCL 380.1278)

Subject: Education — model core academic curriculum content standards
Introduced: Feb–Mar 2025 (Rep. Rylee Linting) | Referred to Committee on Education

Purpose

HB 4159 amends the Revised School Code to change the State Board of Education’s duties for developing and updating the recommended model core academic curriculum content standards. The bill requires those standards to (1) align K–6 reading and writing instruction with the “science of reading” using a code-emphasis/structured‑literacy approach, and (2) adopt updated K–5 math standards produced by a specified expert committee that emphasize problem‑based learning, feedback‑response methods, technology use, and evidence‑based interventions (including for dyscalculia).

Key provisions

  • Reading & Writing (grades K–6)

    • State Board must ensure standards are based on the “science of reading.”
    • Standards must require instructional methods and curriculum resources with a code‑emphasis approach (decoding, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, oral language, comprehension, word recognition).
    • Instruction must use evidence‑based methods and include features of evidence‑based interventions grounded in structured literacy.
    • “Science of reading” is defined in statute as a cumulative, multidisciplinary body of scientific research (cognitive psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, etc.).

  • Mathematics (grades K–5)

    • The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) must convene a committee (by Jan 1, 2026) to recommend updated math standards.
    • Committee composition requirements: at least two faculty from mathematics departments of two different public Michigan universities, and at least two Michigan elementary math teachers whose average classroom proficiency in math is ≥70% on the most recent state assessment and whose classes include ≥25% students eligible for free/reduced-price lunch.
    • Committee must recommend standards incorporating problem‑based and feedback‑response learning, age‑appropriate technology, and evidence‑based intervention methods for students with math deficiencies or characteristics of dyscalculia.
    • Committee deliverable: updated recommended standards to State Board by June 30, 2026.

  • Local implementation

    • Beginning 2026‑27, local core curricula for K–6 reading/writing must adhere to the State Board’s science‑of‑reading standards.
    • Beginning 2027‑28, local core curricula for K–5 math must adhere to the committee‑recommended updated standards.

  • Other statutory language retained/affirmed

    • Model standards must focus on academic and cognitive instruction and exclude nonessential attitudes/belief/value content.
    • State standards for history (grades 8–12) must include genocide learning objectives (e.g., Holocaust, Armenian Genocide).
    • Existing requirement to provide special assistance to most pupils who fail 4th or 7th grade reading assessments (to reach grade level within 12 months) remains.

Who would be affected

  • State Board of Education: new specification and timelines for standards.
  • Michigan Department of Education: required to establish the math committee and coordinate standards work.
  • Local school districts, intermediate school districts (ISDs), and public school academies (PSAs): required to align local curricula to new reading (2026‑27) and math (2027‑28) standards.
  • Teachers and curriculum developers: likely need professional development and instructional material changes.
  • Students, particularly those with reading or math deficits and students with dyscalculia, due to mandated evidence‑based interventions.

Fiscal and operational impacts

  • HFA notes potential state costs (MDE staff time, travel, lodging to convene committee) and local costs if existing curricula/materials or instruction do not meet new standards.
  • Districts/PSAs/ISDs may incur costs for curriculum revision, instructional materials, and professional development.

Procedural status (selected)

  • Introduced Feb–Mar 2025 (Rep. Rylee Linting); reported with substitute and advanced through House committee activity.
  • Passed by the House (April 17–22, 2025) with immediate effect and referred to Committee on Education for further action.
  • Key statutory deadlines: MDE must convene math committee by Jan 1, 2026; committee must submit standards to State Board by June 30, 2026.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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