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Bill would prohibit poor readers from entering fourth grade

LANSING, MI (AP)--   Michigan lawmakers are debating whether to hold back all third-graders who aren't proficient in reading. 

A House committee heard testimony Wednesday on new legislation to prohibit students from starting fourth grade without passing the state reading test in third grade. One-third or 33,000 of Michigan's third-graders, weren't proficient in reading on last year's test.

Supporters say it's unfair to promote kids and expect them to learn other subjects if they have trouble reading. They say third grade is a key indicator of future success.

Critics question whether backers of the bill would make sure schools and students have resources so kids are helped in kindergarten, first and second grades.

Opponents also question why it is necessary to hold third-graders back instead of just ensuring they get extra help earlier on.

Nicole was born near Detroit but has lived in the U.P. most of her life. She graduated from Marquette Senior High School and attended Michigan State and Northern Michigan Universities, graduating from NMU in 1993 with a degree in English.