Controversy Arises as Michigan House Leadership Aims to Reinstate Third Grade Reading Law
In a move stirring debate, Michigan’s House leadership is pushing to reintroduce a third-grade reading law, previously repealed under Democratic control. The law mandated third graders to exhibit reading proficiency or risk being held back, although it allowed many exceptions.
Proponents, such as House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp), argue that reviving this policy could address the state’s subpar reading scores. Hall emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach, combining accountability, educational spending, and teacher training focused on phonics as part of the state budget discussions.
“I consider this what they call a budget implementation bill, because we’re going to need all three: accountability, spending, and training the teachers on the right curriculum, phonics, in order to improve our literacy. So, we’re going to negotiate this as part of a deal in the state budget,” Hall stated after the House’s vote to reinstate the law.
However, critics, including State Representative John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming), argue that simply reinstating the reading requirement is insufficient. Fitzgerald advocates for providing educators with the necessary tools and resources to ensure student success, beyond merely setting proficiency mandates.
“We want to give educators and those around kids the tools that they need to give students the best opportunity for success and just telling kids you have to read at third grade reading is not going to do it. It’s the resources and we want the result of that policy,” Fitzgerald asserted.
Despite differing views, there is a consensus among legislators and Governor Gretchen Whitmer on prioritizing literacy improvement this year. Proposed budget allocations include funding for literacy coaches, curriculum enhancements, and further teacher training.
Most Democrats in the Michigan House voted against the reinstatement, with Democratic House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri accusing Hall of using the issue as a political maneuver. “I have not had any conversations with him about that. I don’t think it’s actually a serious goal of his,” Puri commented.
The proposal faces an uncertain future in the Democrat-controlled Senate, which abolished the provision in the previous term. The bill was expedited for a vote alongside other Republican priorities after a Democratic vote against a constitutional amendment proposal supported by Republicans.
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