On March 24, 2023, Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 12, which repeals a section of law that prevented students from being passed into fourth grade if they did not meet one specific benchmark.
While “Read by Grade Three” will continue to be a focus for education in Michigan, the retention portion of this law is no longer in effect.
Learn more:

• Governor Whitmer’s Press Release
• Governor Whitmer signs legislation to repeal read by grade three law – WLIX, 3/24/23
• Senate Bill 0012: http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2023-SB-0012
• Michigan Department of Education’s Early Literacy Read by Grade Three Law resources

Libraries are still encouraged to download and add their contact information for patrons to this public library Read by Grade Three Guide from LM. This guide focuses on positive reading tips for caregivers to do with their young children and includes links to resources.

Thank you,

Cathy Lancaster

Youth Services Coordinator

Library of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48915
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org to learn more.

LancasterC5@michigan.gov | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan
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