The bill amends the State School Aid Act of 1979, appropriating $17,769,551,300 from the state school aid fund for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, with a slight increase in the general fund allocation from $78,830,600 to $78,830,700. It specifies allocations for various educational purposes, including compliance with federal education laws and the administration of state assessments, while mandating that any unspent general fund allocations be transferred to the school aid stabilization fund.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for the Michigan merit examination, which must now include a college entrance test, work skills test, and either the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) or a state-administered assessment system. It emphasizes timely feedback on student performance, mandates accommodations for students with disabilities, and allows nonpublic and home-schooled students to participate. The bill also clarifies that pupils in middle college programs must have their examination scores included in high school performance metrics if they receive at least 50% of their instruction at the high school during grade 11. Furthermore, it establishes pilot programs for a state-administered assessment system, ensuring transparency and timely reporting on student performance. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance educational standards and accountability within Michigan's public school system.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 388.1611