LANSING – Landmark third-grade reading proficiency legislation to help strengthen the educational development of all Michigan children was approved by the full House recently.

House Bill 4822, written by Rep. Amanda Price, R-Park Township, creates a proactive literacy system that is designed to help K-3 students become proficient in English Language Arts on their third grade assessment before entering fourth grade.

“The ability to read by third grade opens doors and broadens horizons more than any other academic skill,” said Rep. Price, chair of the House Committee on Education. “That’s the emphasis of this legislation – to give children and educators the tools to develop a stronger educational foundation beyond third-grade. I’m pleased to see this important bill pass with bi-partisan support.”

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), Michigan currently ranks 38th in fourth grade reading and is one of six states that have seen their fourth grade reading scores decline. Currently, 15 states have similar policies aimed at improving third-grade reading proficiency.

The bill now advances to the Senate for consideration.