This bill amends the Revised School Code to establish new requirements for teacher preparation and alternative teaching programs in Michigan, effective September 30, 2027. Specifically, it mandates that these programs must include instruction on dyslexia, its characteristics, and instructional adjustments for affected students. Additionally, programs preparing individuals for certifications or endorsements related to reading instruction, language arts, or special education must incorporate evidence-based instructional methods grounded in the science of reading and structured literacy. The bill also introduces a provision allowing the Department of Education to issue waivers for certain requirements if the program does not focus on reading, language arts, or special education.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that teacher preparation programs or alternative teaching programs preparing individuals for mathematics or science certifications must have their curricula developed in consultation with professors specializing in those subjects. The approval of such programs will be contingent upon meeting these new standards, and existing approvals will be revoked if they do not comply by the specified date. The bill also clarifies definitions for terms such as "dyslexia," "evidence-based," and "multi-tiered system of support (MTSS)" as per existing law.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 380.1531
Substitute (H-2): 380.1531
House Introduced Bill: 380.1531