Bill > SF334

This bill modifies professional development requirements for the Read Act implementation in Minnesota, focusing on evidence-based training for educators. The bill requires school districts to provide training to various educators by specific deadlines: by July 1, 2026, training must be provided to reading intervention teachers, classroom teachers in kindergarten through third grade, special education teachers, curriculum directors, instructional support staff, literacy material selectors, and teachers of multilingual learners. By July 1, 2027, districts must also train teachers providing reading instruction in grades 4-12 and in alternative programs. The commissioner of education can grant extensions to these deadlines, and training by department-approved certified facilitators can satisfy the requirements. For the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years, the bill allows districts to reduce instructional hours by 5.5 hours for elementary and secondary schools if teachers receive the required evidence-based training, either through an agreement with the teachers' union or, for charter schools, through consultation with teachers. The reduction for secondary school students is specifically applicable only for the 2025-2026 school year, aiming to provide dedicated time for professional development in reading instruction.

Education

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0334&ssn=0&y=2025