This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 120B.123, subdivision 5, to modify the professional development requirements for the implementation of the Read Act. It mandates that school districts provide training from a menu of approved evidence-based programs to various educators, including reading intervention teachers, classroom teachers for grades K-3, special education teachers, and others, by July 1, 2026. Additionally, teachers providing reading instruction to students in grades 4-12 and those in state-approved alternative programs must receive training by July 1, 2027. The commissioner of education is authorized to grant extensions to these deadlines, and training conducted by certified facilitators can fulfill the professional development requirements.

Furthermore, the bill introduces specific provisions for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years, allowing districts that have agreements with teachers' representatives to reduce instructional hours for students in grades K-12 by 5-1/2 hours to accommodate the required training. If a charter school's teachers are not represented, the school may also reduce instructional hours after consulting with its teachers. Notably, the reduction in instructional hours for secondary school students is only applicable for the 2025-2026 school year.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 120B.123
1st Engrossment: 120B.123
2nd Engrossment: 120B.123