Gov. Whitmer against expanding Michigan's read-or-flunk law to 4th-graders

[TexasTowelie]

A Republican-sponsored bill that would expand Michigan’s controversial third-grade read-or-flunk law to fourth-graders next year was approved by the Senate Education Committee Wednesday, and now will be considered by the full Senate.

Its chances of becoming law dimmed Wednesday, though, when a spokesperson for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told Bridge Michigan the Democratic governor remains opposed to retaining students who are behind in reading. The third-grade reading law was passed before Whitmer was elected governor in 2018 and signed by her predecessor, Republican Rick Snyder.

“Governor Whitmer has and will continue to oppose the state law that mandates retention based on reading scores,” spokesperson Robert Leddy said Wednesday. “With COVID-19 creating unprecedented challenges, it’s unfair to students, teachers, and parents to prevent children from taking the next steps in their education.”

Under the state’s third-grade reading law, third-graders who are reading more than one year behind grade level on the state’s standardized test, the M-STEP, are recommended to be held back in grade.

Read more: https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/gov-whitmer-against-expanding-michigans-read-or-flunk-law-4th-graders

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

1. Fourth graders really should be able to read.

And that should not be remotely controversial.

[jimfields33]

2. I think in the long run being able to read makes life so much easier for students

It’s the foundation of education. Without it, school is difficult for the rest of educational life.

[Biophilic]

3. I didn't learn to read until the summer before my 7th grade.

I have a BA, a BS, and an MA. I found learning to read boring beyond belief when I was young. It wasn't until they finally gave me something interesting to read that I jumped into it with both feet. If a kid can't read find out the reason why. Don't just hold them back to repeat what didn't work the first time. All these mandatory laws do is further restrict teachers and educators in doing their job. And, no, I'm not a teacher.

[MichMan]

4. It isn't fair to the students either if they just keep getting promoted to the next grade anyway

[Biophilic]

5. I agree that our educational system is totally screwed up. However, demanding that

students do such and such by grade whatever and such and such by the next grade is not helping. Where did we go so wrong on education? Yes, I'm not the ordinary student, but I'm a good example of how the un-ordinary student can be punished. If I was going through the system today I would be held back, shamed, and deemed low intelligence. I'm not, obviously. When they were still taking IQs I had one in the mid 130s. But there are lots and lots of youngsters out there in the same boat. I don't have clue how to change the system as it has grown. I just know that it is not supportive of anyone not in the middle of the bell curve.