K-5 Teacher Training Requirements

Current understanding

Michigan HB5697 (passed chamber) would amend the Revised School Code (1976 PA 451) by adding Sec. 1531k to require K-5 teachers to complete certain training. The bill establishes a new in-service training mandate targeted at elementary-grade instructors, distinct from initial preparation program approval standards.

Evidence log

• 2026-07-21 — Education: teachers and administrators; completion of certain training for K-5 teachers; require. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1531k.: HB5697 was enacted as Public Act 26 of 2026 with immediate effect, making the K-5 teacher training mandate (Sec. 1531k of the Revised School Code) binding law rather than a pending proposal. (novelty: 3)
• 2026-05-28 — Executive Order 2026-12: Every Child Reads Champions Council: cross-connection with every-child-reads-champions-council: The council’s mandate to advise on science-of-reading instruction through 3rd grade intersects with K-5 teacher training mandates that specify how teachers must be prepared to deliver structured literacy. (novelty: 2)
• 2026-06-10 — Education: curriculum; science of reading requirements; modify. Amends sec. 1280f of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1280f).: Related bill HB5819 (passed chamber) would amend Sec. 1280f governing science of reading curriculum requirements — a curriculum-side counterpart to the K-5 teacher in-service training mandate, together shaping how early literacy is taught in Michigan classrooms. (novelty: 2)
• 2026-06-18 — Education: special education; at least 1 teacher trained in Orton-Gillingham approach principles; require each school district to employ. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1253.: Related bill HB5081 (passed chamber) would add Sec. 1253 requiring each district to employ at least one teacher trained in Orton-Gillingham principles for special education literacy — a district-staffing mandate distinct from the K-5 in-service training model but part of the same broader push to specify teacher-training content in statute. (novelty: 2)
• 2026-06-16 — Education: teachers and administrators; certain professional development courses; prohibit. Amends sec. 1248 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1248).: cross-connection with teacher-professional-development-restrictions: Both address mandated or restricted content in teacher training/development — K-5 training requirements add mandatory topics while HB6080 prohibits certain PD courses, together shaping the permissible curriculum of in-service educator training. (novelty: 2)

Open questions

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