The bill amends the Revised School Code of Michigan to enhance teacher evaluations and personnel decisions within school districts. It requires that personnel decisions, especially during staffing reductions or recalls, prioritize the retention of effective teachers based on a performance evaluation system that measures factors such as student growth and pedagogical skills. Length of service can only serve as a tiebreaker for equally rated employees. The bill also mandates rigorous, transparent, and fair evaluation systems that inform decisions regarding promotion, retention, and removal of ineffective teachers, while establishing that teachers challenging personnel decisions can only seek reinstatement without claims for lost wages or benefits.

In addition to revising teacher evaluations, the bill introduces new requirements for reading instruction and assessment, particularly for students with dyslexia and English language learners. It mandates that by August 1, 2027, all educational institutions must implement a universal screening assessment for reading and ensure that personnel involved in reading instruction receive professional training on dyslexia. The bill also outlines specific intervention plans for students in grades K-3 with reading deficiencies and emphasizes the use of evidence-based reading instruction. Furthermore, it sets new conditions for teacher certification, requiring a minimum of three years of teaching experience and effective performance evaluations, while allowing for alternative pathways to certification. Overall, the legislation aims to improve educational outcomes and ensure effective teaching practices across Michigan schools.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 380.1248