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Bill

SB 376

Education: school districts; requirements related to the retention of certain grade 3 pupils; provide for. Amends sec. 1280f of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1280f).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Thomas Albert and 6 co-sponsors

SB 376 modifies Michigan's third-grade reading retention requirements, potentially altering when and how students face grade retention for insufficient reading proficiency.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
#education:elementary #education:other #education:schooldistricts #education:teachersandadministrators #stateagencies(existing):education
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Bill Summary · SB 376

Legislative bill overview

SB 376 amends Michigan's school code to modify requirements for retaining third-grade students who do not meet reading proficiency standards. The bill adjusts existing "read by grade 3" retention policies that currently mandate grade retention for struggling readers unless specific exemptions apply.

Why is this important

Grade retention policies significantly affect student outcomes, affecting self-esteem, graduation rates, and long-term academic performance. Michigan's current third-grade retention law is one of the stricter policies in the nation, so modifications could impact thousands of students annually and influence how schools allocate literacy intervention resources.

Potential points of contention

  • Retention effectiveness debate: Research shows mixed results on whether grade retention improves reading skills versus social-emotional harms; supporters argue it prevents students from advancing unprepared, while critics say retention increases dropout risk
  • Equity concerns: Students from disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately retained; changes could either reduce or exacerbate disparities depending on specific amendments
  • Implementation details unknown: The bill text doesn't specify what requirements are being modified (stricter exemptions? different intervention options? alternative assessments?), making it difficult to assess full impact without seeing amendment language

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

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