Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor), Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake), and Sen. Lana Theis (R-Brighton) sponsored four separate bills to address dyslexia in schools. These bills were presented and read on the floor of the Michigan Senate at the beginning of October. All four bills currently sit with the Senate Committee on Education and Career Readiness. In this issue of Outlook, we’ve included a brief overview of each bill. Click on the Bill to access the complete bill as presented.
Senate Bill 1172
Introduced by Senator Jim Runestad on October 1, 2020
Calls for the creation of a resource guide advisory committee within the Michigan Department of Education.
Senate Bill 1173
Introduced by Senator Jeff Irwin on October 1, 2020
Calls for prescreening for dyslexia in public schools in Michigan.
Senate Bill 1174
Introduced by Senator Lana Theis on October 1, 2020
Calls for the creation of certain requirements for the approval of teacher preparation institutions (must include specific training related to dyslexia for teachers in a K-6 program).
Senate Bill 1175
Introduced by Senator Dayna Polehanki on October 1, 2020
Calls for the modification of certain teacher requirements (reading credit requirements that must include coverage of specific aspects of instruction and reading acquisition for students with dyslexia).
In an interview with Michigan Public Radio, Senator Irwin shared that “dyslexia is the most common barrier to literacy” as well as the fact that Michigan is one of few states that does not have any dyslexia legislation. You can take action! Share your thoughts or stories with the committee members to let them know the difference that Dyslexia Legislation could make for Michigan!
The Education and Career Readiness Committee meets on Tuesdays at 12:00 PM. Click on the member’s name to go to his/her website for contact information.
Committee Members