The bill amends the Read Act to enhance literacy education in Minnesota by establishing the "Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act," which focuses on evidence-based reading instruction. It mandates public schools to promote foundational literacy and grade-level reading proficiency while introducing new definitions and requirements for evidence-based instruction, specifically excluding the three-cueing system. The bill also creates an Office of Achievement and Innovation within the Department of Education to oversee these initiatives and requires the commissioner to implement a school performance report system. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Education and the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) in supporting districts, with a partnership set to expire on June 30, 2025.

Moreover, the bill introduces amendments to various sections of Minnesota Statutes to improve the reporting and assessment of educational programs. It requires detailed reporting on administrator preparation programs, mandates that applicants for Tier 3 and Tier 4 licenses in elementary education pass an examination on the science of reading, and establishes a school performance report system for comparing school performance metrics. The bill also allows for the creation of innovation zone plans within school districts to enhance student outcomes and provides exemptions from certain state education laws for approved partners. Additionally, it includes provisions for fund transfers and relief from state mandates for specific school years, while repealing a previous law related to the innovation research zones pilot program.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 120B.118, 120B.119, 120B.123, 120B.124, 122A.091, 122A.185, 124D.085, 124D.093