Michigan Legislature
About 27% of Michigan’s K-12 students last school year were chronically absent.
The new federal tax credit reimburses taxpayers for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, which then distribute money to families for a range of educational expenses.
Michigan mandated science of reading training for all K-5 public school educators in the state in an effort to improve student literacy.
Michigan education officials have looked toward other states, such as Massachusetts and New Jersey for inspiration on improving literacy.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has until Jan. 1 to opt Michigan into the program in order for the state to participate in 2027.
Districts struggle to meet the needs of English learners with higher proficiency levels, advocates say. There is still no dedicated funding for students expanding their English language comprehension.
There are also new rules about student fitness tests and literacy training for teachers.
The $22.9 billion budget also provides increased funding for students from low-income homes and English language learners.
There are five major-party candidates running for Michigan governor. The Aug. 4 primary will whittle that list down to two.
One of the bills requires all K-5 teachers to receive training in high quality reading instruction methods.
Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder was among those who testified in support of the legislation.
School funding proposals could get weighed down on whether to provide consistent increases for the most at-risk students.
In order to get the dollars, Michigan districts had to agree to disclose information that would otherwise be legally protected if a school shooting occurs.
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, speaking Friday at Hamtramck Academy, said the federal tax-credit scholarship program would put “Michigan families in charge.”
Michigan ranks 44th in fourth grade reading on a national exam, fueling calls for the state to enact laws to improve literacy.
The budget Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed Wednesday would increase taxes in some areas, such as for cigarette purchases, to raise revenue in Michigan.
“When every child reads, Michigan wins,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said.
The candidates participated in an education forum hosted by the Michigan Education Association.
The school cellphone ban proposal now heads to the Michigan Senate for a vote
There’s been growing alarm over Michigan student performance on state and national exams. Can gubernatorial candidates offer solutions in 2026?