The bill amends the Revised School Code to enhance the accreditation requirements for school districts in Michigan. It stipulates that if a school district desires full accreditation, it must provide a core academic curriculum that aligns with state board recommended model core academic curriculum content standards. The bill emphasizes that these standards must focus solely on academic and cognitive instruction, excluding any non-essential attitudes, beliefs, or value systems. Additionally, the state board is tasked with developing and periodically updating these standards, ensuring they include specific learning objectives in subjects such as history, reading, and writing, with a particular emphasis on the science of reading for grades K to 6.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that school districts must establish a core academic curriculum that meets these standards and provides realistic opportunities for all pupils to learn the required subjects. It also includes provisions for special assistance for pupils who do not meet reading proficiency benchmarks and ensures that nonpublic schools have access to the model standards for their curriculum development. The bill introduces new definitions related to genocide and the science of reading, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based instructional methods in education.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 380.1278
House Introduced Bill: 380.1278
As Passed by the House: 380.1278