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 and mandates that applicants for Tier 3 and Tier 4 licenses in elementary education pass an examination on the science of reading. The bill also establishes an Innovation Research Zone Advisory Panel to review plans aimed at enhancing student outcomes through postsecondary credits and technical education programs. It allows 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, indicating a shift in the governance of educational innovations.

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