Reading Law

Retention is Not Intervention:  Revising the Grade 3 Reading Law

Feb. 17, 2023

Michigan legislators are seeking to repeal the retention component of the Michigan Read by Grade 3 Law. The legislation would remain in effect, with the largest change being the retention rule would be thrown out. Grade three students that meet eligibility criteria would still be required to have family communication on their reading abilities, additional individualized reading supports provided, and documentation of interventions. What would change is that these supports would continue into their fourth grade year instead of requiring a grade three retention. State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice advocates that retention is not a successful intervention, and states, “Educators' time is better spent on implementing interventions as students progress.” Data shows that less than 1% of 3rd graders (545 students in 2022) that were identified for retention actually repeated the third grade, due to the broad exemptions in the law. 

This bill passed in the Senate, and advanced to the House Education Committee on February 8. Democrats, who control both chambers, have broad support for the bill. Watch for updates coming soon!

References

Michigan Senate panel votes to end retention rule in 3rd-grade reading law - Chalkbeat Detroit

Ditching Michigan’s grade 3 reading retention law a top priority for Democrats - mlive.com

Michigan Legislature - Third-Grade Reading Proficiency Bill Analysis

Michigan Legislature - Senate Bill 0012 (2023)