SIXTH GRADE TEACHING CERTIFICATION

House Bill 5279

Sponsor:  Rep. Fred Miller

Committee:  Education

Complete to 6-13-06

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5279 AS INTRODUCED 10-11-05

The bill would amend the Revised School Code to authorize an individual who held an elementary level or a secondary level teaching certificate to teach in sixth grade.

Specifically, the bill provides that notwithstanding any rule to the contrary, if an individual held a valid Michigan teaching certificate, the individual would be certified to teach in sixth grade regardless of whether he or she held an elementary level teaching certificate or a secondary level teaching certificate.

(The Administrative Code defines a general elementary certificate endorsement as an authorization to teach all subjects in grades kindergarten to 5, and all subjects in grades 6 to 8 in a self-contained classroom where the majority of instruction is provided by one teacher. A secondary certificate endorsement is an authorization to teach in grades 9 to 12 in major and minor areas of preparation.)

MCL 380.1531g

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have minimal fiscal impact on the state and local school districts.  The bill could result in a slight reduction in State certification fees, and local school districts would see increased flexibility under this legislation.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Mary Ann Cleary

                                                                                                                           Bethany Wicksall

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.