This bill, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives by Representative Bennett, seeks to amend Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 120B.307, subdivision 4, to clarify provisions related to student career and college readiness.

Key provisions of the bill include:

1. Career Exploration:

   • Schools and districts must annually use career exploration tools to help students (starting no later than grade 9) and their families explore and plan for postsecondary education or careers.
   • Career planning should be based on students' interests, aptitudes, and aspirations.
   • Schools must use regional labor market information and partnerships to assist students in developing individualized plans for postsecondary education or careers.
   • The process should increase student engagement, improve knowledge and skills, and provide a clearer understanding of career pathways leading to industry credentials, associate degrees, or bachelor’s degrees.

2. Academic Readiness for Career or College:

   • Students who meet Minnesota's academic standards, including career and college readiness benchmarks on high school assessments, are considered academically prepared.
   • These students are encouraged to enroll in courses offering college credit during high school.
   • High school courses may include structured career pathways and technical skill assessments beyond traditional grades.

3. Benchmarks for Academic Readiness:

   • Schools, districts, and the state must have well-defined, research-based benchmarks indicating the knowledge and skills students need for success in careers or postsecondary education without remediation.
   • The Minnesota Commissioner of Education, in collaboration with educators and public postsecondary institutions, must ensure these benchmarks align with college admission requirements and provide targeted interventions when needed.

4. Tracking Career and College Readiness:

   • For students in grade 8 during the 2012-2013 school year or later, schools must record each student’s progress toward career and college readiness on their high school transcript.

5. Recognition of High Achievement:

   • Local school boards have the option to include a notation of high achievement on diplomas for graduating seniors who meet specific academic excellence criteria set by the district.

In summary, the bill strengthens career and college readiness planning for Minnesota students by requiring clearer benchmarks, better tracking, and formal recognition of student achievements.