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 complies with specific state standards. The bill emphasizes that the curriculum must focus solely on academic and cognitive instruction, excluding non-essential attitudes, beliefs, or value systems. Additionally, it mandates that the state board develop and periodically update model core academic curriculum content standards, which must include specific learning objectives in various subjects, including history, reading, and writing, with a particular focus on the science of reading for grades K to 6.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of school district boards in establishing and delivering the core academic curriculum, ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to learn the required subjects. It also includes provisions for special assistance for pupils who do not meet reading proficiency standards and mandates the continued offering of nonessential elective courses to nonpublic school students on a shared time basis. The bill introduces new definitions, including "science of reading," to clarify the instructional methods and curriculum resources that should be utilized in teaching reading and writing.

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