The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 120B.12, subdivision 3, to enhance reading intervention strategies for students identified as needing support. It mandates that school districts provide reading interventions to help students achieve grade-level proficiency by the end of the school year, with an emphasis on family engagement and collaboration with community programs. Notably, the bill changes the language from "is strongly encouraged to" to "must" regarding the planning of personal learning plans for students who do not demonstrate grade-level proficiency. These plans must include evidence-based targeted instruction and ongoing progress monitoring, and they must be developed in consultation with the student's parents or guardians.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that starting in the 2025-2026 school year, districts are required to use only evidence-based literacy interventions, with a strong encouragement to utilize materials approved by the Department of Education under the Read Act. Furthermore, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, any Tier 2 literacy intervention provided by paraprofessionals or volunteers must be supervised by a licensed teacher who has received specific training in evidence-based reading instruction. This legislative change aims to ensure that all students receive effective support in their literacy development.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 120B.12