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 training 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 provisions for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years, allowing districts that enter agreements with teachers' representatives to reduce instructional hours for students in order to provide teachers with the required training. Specifically, it allows a reduction of 5-1/2 hours of instructional time for secondary students during the 2025-2026 school year, provided that the charter schools consult with their teachers if they are not represented by an exclusive representative. This adjustment aims to ensure that teachers receive adequate training while balancing instructional time for students.

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