The 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 selection 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, 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 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 a provision that allows for a reduction of 5-1/2 instructional hours for elementary school students in the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 years if a district enters into an agreement with the teachers' exclusive representative to ensure they receive the required training on a day when other students are in session. This reduction also applies to charter schools, which can consult with their teachers to implement a similar reduction in instructional hours.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 120B.123