April 14, 2006

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed legislation that will allow school districts to develop and implement Early Intervention Programs for students in grades K-3.  These programs will help identify educational and behavioral barriers students may face that would prevent them from succeeding in the classroom.

“We are raising the bar for students in Michigan schools,” Granholm said. “In order to ensure that our students are prepared to meet these higher expectations, we must make sure that every child gets off to a good start in school – that means strong early childhood development programs and services for children in need.”

The three-bill package allows school districts to create Early Intervention Programs that monitor student performance, identify individual challenges, and provide additional support services including reading, writing, math, visual memory, motor skill development, and behavior or language development.  Under the legislation, school districts will be allowed to use funding from the Durant settlement, “at-risk” funding, or class size grants they receive.

Granholm also expressed her hope that early intervention programs will ultimately reduce costs for school districts in Michigan. Helping children succeed in the early grades will reduce their need for special services in later grades and reduce the likelihood that they will dropout early, Granholm said.

In addition to supporting this legislation, the Governor has proposed more than $36 million in additional funding for the Great Start preschool program to help prepare children for school and $15 million for a new after-school program to help middle school students with math, science and computer technology.

Senate Bill 328 was sponsored by Senator Bill Hardiman (R-Kentwood).  Senate Bill 329 was sponsored by Senator Nancy Cassis (R-Novi).  Senate Bill 330 was sponsored by Senator Wayne Kuipers (R-Holland).