North Michigan News

Rep. Cavitt and colleagues have introduced a comprehensive plan aimed at improving the educational outcomes for Michigan students. The House Republican education plan seeks to enhance safety, create new graduation pathways, recruit and retain quality teachers, and improve reading proficiency.

Recent M-STEP assessment results highlight significant challenges: three out of five Michigan third graders are not proficient in reading and language arts, and seven out of ten sixth graders struggle with math.

“Michigan’s young people are struggling — from third graders trying to read to recent high school graduates facing the unknown,” Cavitt stated. “Meanwhile, staff shortages and red tape only make it harder for teachers to help their students learn. My colleagues and I have laid out a bold education plan to help younger students learn the fundamentals of reading and math while enabling older students to pursue their passions and gain real-world skills that will prepare them for life after graduation.”

Cavitt is the lead sponsor of House Bill 5933, which aims to ensure regional representation on the State Board of Education by dividing board seats into four districts. Currently, five of the eight board members reside in metro Detroit counties.

“The State Board of Education needs to support students, parents, and teachers in every part of our state, including Northern Michigan,” Cavitt said. “The unique needs of rural students and schools get overlooked far too often.”

The proposal follows criticism of a Democrat-passed education budget that provided no increase in core student funding and eliminated 92% of funding for school safety and mental health. The Republican plan seeks to restore over $300 million cut from these areas.

Key components of the plan include:

- Providing tools for teaching fundamentals: Focus on evidence-based teaching methods.

- Expanding dual enrollment: Include trade schools.

- Reducing test anxiety: A pilot program exploring alternatives to M-STEP.

- Supporting balanced teacher-student ratios: A report identifying best practices.

- Recommending curriculum: Review by Michigan Department of Education.

- Waiving state fees for teachers: Eliminate fees for teaching certificates.

- Facilitating subject area endorsements: Streamline processes.

- Freeing up resources for classrooms: Consolidate administrative services across districts.

These proposals were introduced as House Bills 5926-33, with additional bills forthcoming.

Further details about the education plan can be found at gophouse.org/pathways-to-success