Dyslexia teacher training program.

Sec. 35d. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated for 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $1,000,000.00 for the department to provide grants to districts and intermediate districts for the purchase of 1 or more components or trainings through an eligible teacher training program for children with dyslexia from a provider of an eligible teacher training program for children with dyslexia as described in this section. It is intended that supports funded under this section assist with the implementation of dyslexia requirements under section 1280f of the revised school code, MCL 380.1280f. (2) A provider that provides programming that meets all of the following criteria is considered to be a provider of an eligible teacher training program for purposes of this section: (a) The programming allows teachers to incorporate the 5 components essential to an effective reading program into their daily lessons. The 5 components described in this subdivision are phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. (b) The programming trains educators to teach reading using a proven, multisensory approach. (c) The programming educates teachers on how to explicitly and effectively teach reading to beginning readers. (d) The programming breaks reading and spelling down into smaller skills involving letters and sounds, and then builds on these skills over time. (e) The programming uses multisensory teaching strategies to teach reading by using sight, hearing, touch, and movement to help students connect and learn the concepts being taught. (3) Districts and intermediate districts may apply to the department for grants to purchase components or training through an eligible teacher training program from a provider of an eligible teacher training program, and, upon receiving an application and except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the department shall make payments to districts and intermediate districts for those purchases. The department shall make payments under this section on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted.