This bill amends various sections of the Minnesota Statutes to allow for the administration of a nationally recognized college entrance exam, such as the ACT or SAT, to high school students, specifically in grades 11 or 12. Key changes include the requirement for the Department of Education to contract with a provider of a nationally recognized college entrance exam to fulfill federal accountability requirements starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill also mandates that the commissioner provide this exam at no cost to students in the specified grades and ensures that parents have access to information about the exam's content and preparation resources.

Additionally, the bill repeals a previous provision regarding the comprehensive assessment system and makes several amendments to existing statutes, including the removal of references to the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments in favor of the nationally recognized college entrance exam. The effective date for all these changes is set for the 2026-2027 school year and later, emphasizing a shift towards standardized testing that aligns with federal requirements and enhances college readiness for Minnesota students.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 120B.30, 120B.302, 120B.303, 120B.305, 136F.302