The bill amends the Read Act to enhance early literacy education in Minnesota by introducing several key requirements and provisions. It mandates that teacher candidates complete a supervised early literacy field experience starting in the 2027-2028 school year, ensuring alignment with evidence-based reading practices. Additionally, the bill requires school districts to administer approved reading screeners for students in kindergarten through grade 3 at specified intervals and report the results to the Department of Education. New definitions, such as "parent" and "literacy specialist," are introduced, and the bill emphasizes the importance of evidence-based training for educators involved in teaching reading. It also includes a requirement for districts to provide vendor-approved screening accommodations for students with documented needs and establishes a local literacy plan that must be updated annually.

Moreover, the bill allows charter schools to reduce instructional hours for students by 5-1/2 hours during the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years to provide teachers with necessary evidence-based training. It sets new accessibility standards for professional development and digital curriculum resources, mandates a review process for literacy materials by October 1, 2026, and outlines criteria for evidence-based curriculum that reflects diverse populations. A significant addition is the provision for issuing high school diplomas to veterans who could not complete their education due to military service, with assistance from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs in verifying eligibility. The bill also repeals a previous subdivision related to literacy screening, streamlining the process for districts. Overall, the bill aims to improve literacy outcomes for all students, particularly those in dual language immersion programs and those receiving special education services.

Statutes affected:
1st Engrossment: 120B.119, 120B.123, 122A.092
1st Unofficial Engrossment: 120B.119, 120B.123, 122A.092