Signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires school districts to have at least 75 percent attendance in order to avoid prorated funding, among other provisions.

Highlights:

• Exempts school districts providing e-learning remote instruction that expose students to the same academic standards that apply to in-person instruction for that same grade level from the 75 percent attendance period requirement (Sec. 101).

• Defines the “attendance period” as each period of 10 consecutive school days in a school year (Sec. 101).

• Specifies that for the 2020-2021 school year, the state department of education will waive the required minimum number of hours and days of student instruction for each district that is providing instruction under an extended continuity of learning plan that has been approved by an intermediate district or authorizing body (Sec. 101).

• Specifies that it is the intent of the legislature that extended continuity of learning plans provide districts with maximum flexibility to adapt their educational programs for students in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (Sec. 101).

• Requires an extended continuity of learning plan contain all of the following elements, including (Sec. 101):

• A statement indicating why an extended continuity of learning plan is necessary to increase student engagement;

• The educational goals expected to be achieved by both the start and end of the school year, including;

• Increased student achievement or measurable growth on a benchmark assessment: and

• A commitment to administer a benchmark assessment that is aligned to the state standards in the fall, winter, and spring, of the school year to determine student progress;

• A description of how the instruction will be delivered to students;

• A requirement that if the district provides in-person instruction for the 2020-2021 school year, the district consult with the local health department regarding any applicable guidelines issued by the department, such as guidelines for school building cleaning occupancy requirements; and

• A requirement that the district offers in-person student instruction to all students enrolled in kindergarten through grade 5.

• Requires school districts make their best effort to provide reasonable accommodation for teachers, students, parents, and legal guardians that make requests for reasonable forms or protective barriers, masks, or gloves (Sec. 101).

Full Bill Text