Education (Libraries)

This bill requires Michigan school districts and public academies to adopt elementary reading curricula from a list approved by the state education department. To support this goal, the legislation mandates that the department approve specific reading assessments designed to monitor student progress while minimizing disruptions to instructional time. Additionally, the bill outlines detailed duties for district literacy coaches, ensuring they focus on evidence-based reading instruction and data analysis rather than administrative tasks. These changes aim to help more third-grade students achieve proficient scores on state English language arts assessments through structured curriculum adoption and targeted teacher support.

HB 4922 removes a requirement that school librarians in Michigan public schools must obtain additional certifications beyond a standard teaching certificate. The bill directly affects school librarians, school districts, and public school academies by prohibiting them from mandating extra endorsements or certificates for librarian positions. Key provision: Section 1531k of the Revised School Code explicitly states that no school entity may require such additional credentials. This change simplifies hiring for school libraries while maintaining the baseline teaching certificate requirement. The bill is currently pending second reading after committee review.