The bill modifies the professional development requirements for the implementation of the Read Act in Minnesota. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 120B.123, subdivision 5, to require school districts to provide training from a menu of approved evidence-based training programs to various educators and staff by specific deadlines. By July 1, 2026, training must be provided to reading intervention teachers, classroom teachers for grades K-3, special education teachers, curriculum directors, instructional support staff, and others involved in literacy instruction. Additionally, by July 1, 2027, training is required for teachers providing reading instruction to students in grades 4-12 and those in state-approved alternative programs.

The bill also includes provisions for extending deadlines and allows training conducted by certified facilitators to fulfill the professional development requirements. Furthermore, it introduces a reduction in the instructional hours for elementary school students by 5-1/2 hours for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 years if districts enter into agreements with teachers' representatives to provide the required training on instructional days. This reduction is also applicable to charter schools after consulting with their teachers if they are not represented by an exclusive representative.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 120B.123