Education: curriculum; instruction in constitutional literacy; provide for. Amends secs. 1278a & 1531 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278a & 380.1531) & adds secs. 1166d, 1174 & 1531k.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Schriver

Summary of Michigan HB 4829: Education Curriculum and Constitutional Literacy Main Purpose and IntentThe primary aim of this bill is to enhance civic education and constitutional l

bill electronically reproduced 08/27/2025

#education:curriculum

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of this bill is to enhance civic education and constitutional literacy in Michigan's public schools. The bill would require the inclusion of specific instruction on the U.S. Constitution, the Michigan Constitution, and the role of government in the social studies curriculum for students in grades 3-12.

Key Provisions

The key elements of HB 4829 include:

Mandatory Constitutional Literacy Instruction: The bill would mandate that public schools provide instruction on the U.S. Constitution, the Michigan Constitution, and the role and structure of federal, state, and local governments. This instruction would be required in grades 3-12.

Curriculum Development: The Michigan Department of Education would be tasked with developing model academic standards and curriculum guidelines for the required constitutional literacy instruction.

Teacher Training: The bill would require the Department of Education to provide professional development programs to help teachers deliver the new constitutional literacy curriculum.

Assessment and Reporting: Schools would be required to assess student proficiency in constitutional literacy and report the results to the state. Students would need to demonstrate a certain level of understanding to receive a high school diploma.

Funding Allocation: The bill appropriates $2.5 million in the first year to support the implementation of the new constitutional literacy requirements, including curriculum development and teacher training.

Affected Parties

The primary groups impacted by this legislation would be:

K-12 public school students in Michigan, who would receive mandatory instruction on the U.S. and state constitutions as part of their social studies curriculum

Public school teachers, who would be required to receive professional development to deliver the new constitutional literacy content

The Michigan Department of Education, which would be responsible for creating model standards and curriculum, as well as providing teacher training

Local school districts, which would have to integrate the new constitutional literacy requirements into their existing social studies programs

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

HB 4829 was introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives on March 13, 2025. If enacted, the bill's provisions would go into effect beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, giving schools and the Department of Education one year to prepare for implementation.

The bill appropriates funding for the first year of implementation, but future funding would need to be allocated through the annual state budgeting process. Ongoing assessment and reporting on student proficiency in constitutional literacy would also be required.