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 teachers of English to multilingual learners. By July 1, 2027, the requirement extends to teachers providing reading instruction for grades 4-12 and those in state-approved alternative programs. The commissioner of education has the authority to grant extensions to these deadlines.

Additionally, the bill introduces a provision that allows for a reduction in the instructional hours for elementary school students by 5-1/2 hours for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 years if a district enters into an agreement with the teachers' exclusive representative to ensure that teachers receive the required training during instructional days. This reduction also applies to charter schools, which can consult with their teachers to implement a similar reduction if they are not represented by an exclusive representative.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 120B.123