The Steaming Turd That is Michigan’s Third Grade Reading Law
In October of 2016, after about three years of debate, the then governor of Michigan, Rick Snyder, signed a third grade reading bill into law that called for the retention of any third grader who scored more than one year behind grade level on the state test. The law required all K-3 students to be tested three times each year and students with reading deficiencies had to be given an Individual Reading Plan. Third grade students would not be retained until the 2019-2020 school year.
Which, in case you missed it, is next year.
Now that the time has come to implement the most objectionable part of the law and start actually forcing kids to repeat a grade, the state is getting cold feet. The new governor has publicly stated that she wants to get rid of the law. The Department of Education has approved new cut scores that will dramatically reduce the number of retained students from what observers first feared. While more than 55% of Michigan third graders fell short of the proficiency standard in 2018, the new scores are expected to identify just 5% of students for retention this coming year.
These are the actions of people who realize they’re dealing with a steaming turd.
You can avoid most steaming turns. If you’re out for a walk, you cross CONTINUE READING: The Steaming Turd That is Michigan's Third Grade Reading Law - Teacher Habits
