Bill > HB4159

This bill amends Michigan's school code to modify curriculum requirements for public schools, with a focus on core academic standards and instructional methods. The bill requires school districts to provide a core academic curriculum that complies with state board recommended standards in areas like math, science, reading, history, geography, economics, American government, and writing. Notably, the bill introduces new requirements for teaching about genocide in history classes for grades 8-12 and mandates that reading and writing instruction for grades K-6 be based on the "science of reading," which emphasizes evidence-based methods focused on decoding, phonics, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension. The bill clarifies that curriculum standards must focus on academic skills and knowledge, and cannot include attitudes, beliefs, or value systems not essential to society. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, elementary school reading and writing curricula must specifically adhere to the new state board standards. The bill also ensures that state assessments test only academic proficiency and not students' values or attitudes, and provides guidance for special education curriculum development and special reading assistance for students who are behind grade level in reading skills.

Education

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4159