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HB 5992

Education: examinations; references to M-STEP to include a state-administered assessment system under section 104d of the state school aid act of 1979; modify. Amends secs. 502, 503, 522, 552 & 1279g of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.502 et seq.).

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Brian BeGole and 8 co-sponsors

Michigan bill updates education code to replace M-STEP references with flexible "state-administered assessment system" language, allowing testing framework changes without future legislation.

bill electronically reproduced 09/26/2024
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Bill Summary · HB 5992

Legislative bill overview

HB 5992 modifies Michigan's education code to update references from the M-STEP (Michigan Student Test for Educational Progress) to a broader "state-administered assessment system" under Section 104d of the State School Aid Act. The bill amends five sections of the Michigan Education Code to accommodate potential changes to the state's standardized testing framework without requiring future legislative action.

Why is this important

States periodically need to update or replace standardized testing systems due to educational research, cost considerations, or changing accountability needs. By creating this flexible language now, Michigan avoids having to pass new legislation each time it modifies its assessment approach. This affects how student achievement is measured, reported to families, and used for school funding and accountability purposes.

Potential points of contention

  • Assessment flexibility vs. stability: While the bill provides administrative flexibility, some may worry it gives education officials too much authority to change testing systems without direct legislative oversight
  • Transition concerns: Shifting assessment systems can create data continuity issues, making it harder to compare student performance across years or identify long-term trends
  • Stakeholder input: Parents, educators, and communities may want explicit say in what replaces M-STEP, but the bill's language may not guarantee meaningful consultation before implementation

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

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