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 industry-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 students' progress on transcripts. It introduces a new provision that allows school boards to formally note high achievement on diplomas for students who meet established criteria. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 120B.307