Sensible standards for students

This week, Democrats held a hearing on a bill that would remove a requirement for students to have a basic proficiency in reading in order to graduate from the third grade. It is sincerely disappointing that legislators are considering the removal of such commonsense standards as this. We must do everything we can to help prepare our children for a successful future.

Reading is an absolutely fundamental building block for a good education, and we ought to ensure our schools are effectively preparing our students to be productive members of society. Removing basic requirements such as the third grade reading law would be a disservice to our students and our future—especially for those who are still struggling to catch up after Governor Whitmer’s forced school closures. I stand opposed to removing this law from the books.

I firmly believe that all of our children deserve the opportunity to receive a quality education that provides a solid foundation for good citizenship and a successful future. We must work to ensure that teachers are able to do their jobs well while producing results for our students. Commonsense benchmarks such as reading proficiency are a key part of this and help us better hold schools accountable. Whether studying basic subjects like math, science, and history; or pursuing more advanced career and technical education, the ability to read is vital.

Should you have any questions or concerns about the legislature or state government, please do not hesitate to contact my office by going to www.SenatorAricNesbitt.com. You may also reach out toll-free by calling (855) 347-8020. My staff would be happy to assist with issues you may be having with state government agencies, and I look forward to listening and learning about your priorities and concerns for our state.