The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 120B.307, subdivision 4, to enhance career exploration and college readiness for students starting no later than grade 9. It mandates that districts and schools utilize career exploration elements annually to assist students and their families in planning for postsecondary education or careers, leveraging regional labor market information and partnerships. The bill emphasizes the importance of developing individualized plans that align with students' interests and aspirations, while also ensuring that all students have access to academic and career pathways leading to recognized credentials or degrees.

Additionally, the bill removes specific language regarding the inclusion of career and college readiness benchmarks in high school assessments and the requirement for charter schools to record progress on transcripts for students in grade 8 and later. Instead, it establishes a clearer framework for schools, districts, and the state to define benchmarks for academic readiness, ensuring that students, parents, and teachers understand the performance expectations necessary for success in postsecondary education or careers. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 120B.307