The bill proposes comprehensive reforms to Minnesota's K-12 education system, focusing on enhancing educational access, accountability, and quality. Key amendments include expanding enrollment options for high school students in grades 10 through 12 to apply for nonsectarian courses at eligible postsecondary institutions, including charter and Indian-controlled schools. It also introduces new definitions and requirements for digital and blended instruction, emphasizing the importance of reporting on student growth and performance, particularly for English learners and students in dual language immersion programs. Additionally, the bill establishes a "short-call emergency substitute teaching license" to streamline the hiring process for substitute teachers and introduces a state complaint process for special education violations, ensuring timely investigations and remedies.

In the health and nutrition sector, the bill updates regulations regarding epinephrine delivery systems in schools, allowing for stock supplies for emergencies and clarifying staff roles in administration. It also enhances oversight of educational programs funded by the Department of Education by establishing a common core for teacher assessments and creating an Office of the Inspector General to investigate fraud and theft. The bill mandates annual reporting on teacher candidate performance and outlines procedures for handling allegations of fraud, including the temporary withholding of payments to program participants under investigation. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen educational outcomes while providing flexibility in staffing and instructional methods.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 120B.021, 120B.024, 124D.09, 124D.094, 124D.52, 120B.11, 120B.35, 121A.031, 121A.41, 124D.162, 124E.02, 124E.03, 124E.06, 124E.07, 124E.16, 124E.26, 120B.119, 120B.12, 120B.123, 120B.124, 124D.42, 121A.49, 125A.091, 124D.117, 124D.119, 13.32, 13.82, 120B.117, 127A.21, 127A.49, 268.19
1st Engrossment: 124D.09, 124D.094, 124D.52, 120B.35, 122A.441, 124D.162, 124D.42, 120A.41, 124D.085, 124D.093, 121A.22, 121A.2205, 121A.2207, 124D.119, 13.32, 120B.021, 122A.092, 122A.70, 127A.21, 127A.49, 136A.1276, 268.19