MEA member turned State Senator introduces repeal of reading retention

Sen. Dayna Polehanki
Sen. Dayna Polehanki

Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), who just a year ago was transitioning from a high school English teacher to a state legislator, has introduced SB 633, which would strike the retention requirement in the 3rd grade reading law.

In a recent Detroit News column, Polehanki shared her reasoning behind introducing the legislation.  “Let’s trust our teachers and schools to determine who to retain and when rather than forcing a test-based grade promotion law on them,” Polehanki said.

“No two students are alike. Retaining kids based solely on a test score isn’t innovation — it’s regression. We must do away with the test-and-punish piece of Michigan’s reading law, invest in early childhood education and literacy coaches, and give families and education professionals the ability to tailor a path that is right for each student.”

Read Sen. Polehanki’s column here.

 

Legislation Newsroom

Releated

Shoe Club Nation seeks “Educator All-Stars” to expand statewide

Shoe Club Nation, a nonprofit organization founded by Michigan educator Matt Hamilton, is launching a search for “Educator All-Stars” to help expand the program to middleschools across Michigan. Hamilton, who was recently named the National Education Association Foundation’s 2025 Award for Teaching Excellence, created the Shoe Club 17 years ago in East Jordan, Michigan, following […]