This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 124D.162, to enhance the kindergarten entry assessment process and establish early childhood literacy pilot programs. The commissioner of education is tasked with implementing a kindergarten entry assessment to evaluate incoming kindergartners against prekindergarten early learning standards. The bill modifies the selection process for assessment tools, requiring the commissioner to identify reliable measurement instruments that align with state standards and support comprehensive achievement goals. Additionally, the timeline for full compliance by school districts and charter schools is adjusted to begin in the 2026-2027 school year.

Furthermore, the bill introduces early childhood literacy pilot programs, which will be developed based on recommendations from an expert panel convened by the commissioner. This panel will focus on structured literacy and review research to improve early childhood literacy practices across various educational settings. The commissioner is also required to evaluate the effectiveness of these pilot programs and report on their outcomes, with a final set of recommendations due by February 1, 2029. The bill includes a one-time appropriation from the general fund to support the implementation and evaluation of these literacy initiatives, available until June 30, 2029.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 124D.162