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Bill

HB 4970

Education: school districts; letter grade system for ranking public schools; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1280h.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pat Outman and 3 co-sponsors

Michigan bill HB 4970 creates a letter-grade ranking system for public schools to standardize accountability and performance evaluation statewide.

bill electronically reproduced 09/17/2025
#education:schooldistricts #stateagencies(existing):education
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Bill Summary · HB 4970

Legislative bill overview

HB 4970 proposes to add a new section to Michigan's school code that would establish a letter grade system (A-F) for ranking public schools. The bill amends the Michigan Public School Code to create a standardized accountability framework for evaluating school district performance. Specific implementation details, metrics, and grade calculation methods are not detailed in the provided information.

Why is this important

School accountability systems directly affect parental decision-making, school funding allocations, and teacher recruitment and retention. Letter grade systems are highly visible to the public and shape perceptions of school quality, which can influence property values and community development. The system could also trigger interventions or restructuring for low-performing schools under state law.

Potential points of contention

  • Metric selection: Disagreement over which factors determine grades (standardized test scores, graduation rates, college readiness, demographic progress) and whether socioeconomic context is adequately weighted
  • Equity concerns: Risk that grades may disproportionately penalize schools serving disadvantaged students, potentially stigmatizing struggling communities rather than driving resource improvements
  • Unintended consequences: Letter grades could incentivize teaching to tests, student exclusion practices, or gaming metrics rather than improving genuine educational outcomes and student growth

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

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