Bill > SF2027

This bill establishes early childhood literacy pilot programs aimed at improving early reading skills for young children. The bill requires the commissioner of education to convene an expert panel of literacy researchers, educators, and child development professionals to review research and recommend evidence-based practices for improving early childhood literacy. The expert panel will focus on areas including family engagement, curricula, professional development, instructional practices, and assessment methods, with a particular emphasis on "structured literacy" (a specific approach to teaching reading). The commissioner must implement pilot programs in various early learning settings such as public school prekindergarten, Head Start, licensed child care, and home environments. An independent research organization will evaluate the pilot programs' effectiveness by measuring children's prereading skills. The commissioner will conduct annual public reviews of the programs, bringing together legislators, expert panel members, program participants, and evaluators. By February 2029, the commissioner must submit recommendations to legislative committees about scaling up successful approaches. The bill also modifies existing kindergarten entry assessment regulations, including delaying full implementation to the 2026-2027 school year and updating assessment tool selection criteria. A one-time appropriation of $3.5 million is allocated to support these initiatives, with funds available through June 30, 2029.

Education

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2027&ssn=0&y=2025