(WWJ) The Michigan senate has voted yes on a bipartisan Return To Learn plan to help protect students when they go back to school in a couple of weeks amid the pandemic.
The plan allows for individual districts to determine how many school days and hours they will provide, so long as students receive a full school years' worth of instruction.
It also requires schools to develop safety guidelines with county health departments using local data on the pandemic trends.
"Nothing is more important than providing students a great education in a safe learning environment," State Senator Lana Theis, R-Brighton, chair of the Senate Education and Career Readiness Committee, said in a press release. "The Return to Learn plan will help students achieve by ensuring local school districts are empowered to make the best health and safety decisions for their communities."
Under the plan, teachers must have two-way interaction with students, whether in person or online, to ensure all students receive individualized attention.
A blended average between the 2019-2020 school year pupil count and the 2020-2021 school year pupil count would be used to determine school funding. The "blended average will help ensure stability in funding levels," according to a press release from Senator Theis' office.
Benchmark testing will also be required. This can be conducted online, at school, or at home. Test results would be shared with parents to help them better understand their child's unique educational needs.
However, some Democrats worried about adding another standardized test to the mix.
"I could not — in good conscience — vote for a bill package that adds new testing requirements for students and teachers in what is already a historically challenging school year. What kids need this year is meaningful instructional time with their teachers, not to be sitting in front of a computer for hours on end taking standardized tests," Dana Polehanki, D-Livonia, said in a statement.
State Senator Dan Lauwers, R-Brockway, said it is critical students return to the classroom.
"After so much time away from school during the coronavirus crisis, Michigan children need to be back learning again," Lauwers said. "I am glad Republicans and Democrats were able to come together to finalize this plan."
The legislation (House Bill 5911, House Bill 5912, and House Bill 5913) now goes before the House of Representatives for a vote, where it is expected to be approved. Governor Whitmer would then sign the bill.
