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HB 5697

Education: teachers and administrators; completion of certain training for K-5 teachers; require. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1531k.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joey Andrews and 33 co-sponsors

Michigan HB5697 would require K–5 educators and literacy staff to complete a standardized, vendor-delivered literacy training aligned to MTSS and ongoing reporting.

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Bill Summary · HB 5697

Overview

House Bill 5697 (2025-2026, Michigan) would require specialized literacy professional learning for K–5 educators and literacy-support personnel. The measure sets a phased timeline through the 2031-2032 school year for full compliance, with a single department-approved vendor delivering the training and ongoing reporting requirements. The proposal targets certificated teachers in K–5, special education-endorsed teachers, and personnel responsible for literacy instruction or supervision, and would not apply to interim teaching certificates.

Main purpose and intent

  • Ensure that all K–5 instructional staff and literacy-support personnel have completed a standardized, research-based literacy professional development program.
  • Build uniform literacy knowledge and instructional practices aligned with scientifically based reading research, including early identification and intervention for reading difficulties.
  • Establish a centralized, vendor-delivered core training system and transparent reporting to support statewide implementation and accountability.

Key provisions and changes

  • Scope (Sec. 1531k): Beginning in the 2029-2030 school year (introduced version) or 2031-2032 (substitutes), districts, ISDs, and public school academies must ensure specified staff complete the required professional learning.
    • Eligible staff: certificated K–5 instructors, teachers with any special education endorsements, and full-year literacy substitutes; exemptions for interim teaching certificates.
  • Provider selection and training standards (within 90 days of effective date):
    • A single professional learning vendor must be approved to deliver training that:
    • Teaches class-wide, supplemental, and intervention reading approaches; identifies why students struggle with reading, writing, spelling, and language.
    • Emphasizes evidence-based, explicit instructional sequences and teacher independence in applying skills.
    • Integrates evaluation/assessment for educators and administrators (ongoing unit assessments plus a summative assessment).
    • Strengthens knowledge of literacy components (brain-based literacy, phonological/phonemic awareness, letter knowledge, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, spelling, writing, language organization).
    • Supports data-driven MTSS (multitiered system of supports) with five core elements: team leadership, tiered delivery, instruction/interventions, screening/assessment, and data-based decision making.
    • Administers training, records, and scheduling; offers optional train-the-trainer pathways (for those who complete core components).
  • MTSS framework: Explicit emphasis on a three-tier system with comprehensive supports and ongoing data use.
  • Reporting and transparency (from 2026-2027 onward):
    • Annual district- and program-level reporting to the Department of Education (MDE) on staff completing the training, with published statewide summaries and recommendations.
    • Vendor reporting to MDE on completions, enrollments, withdrawals, per-person training costs, and program-wide funding usage.
  • Implementation timeline:
    • Phased rollout beginning 2026-2027, with full compliance by 2029-2030 (or 2031-2032 in later substitutes), plus potential extensions for good cause.
  • Funding:
    • Fiscal note indicates no inherent state or district costs unless appropriated; estimated cost per LETRS participant at about $1,649, with a potential minimum estimated program cost around $72.6 million for 44,000 teachers (baseline estimate).
    • Provisions anticipate annual legislative appropriations to fund the program.

Who is affected

  • Certificated K–5 teachers and teachers with special education endowments.
  • Full-year literacy support personnel and substitutes involved in delivering or supervising literacy instruction.
  • School districts, ISDs, and public school academies (PSAs) subject to reporting and training requirements.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • 90-day vendor approval window after effective date.
  • Phased training rollout 2026-2027; full compliance by 2029-2030 or 2031-2032 (depending on version).
  • Annual reporting to governor, State Board of Education, appropriations subcommittees, and education committees; public posting on MDE website.
  • Optional extensions for good cause; hiring after 2031-2032 provides three years to complete training.
  • All requirements contingent on annual appropriations.

Fiscal impact (summary)

  • No mandatory statewide cost without appropriation.
  • If funded, estimated $1,649 per participant for LETRS-based training; potential minimum program cost around $72.6 million for 44,000 teachers.
  • Districts/PSAs/ISDs may incur indirect costs related to reporting; these are expected to be absorbable with existing staff.

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

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