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HF1736 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Early childhood literacy pilot programs established, and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF2027

AI Generated Summary

This bill, H.F. No. 1736, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, focuses on early childhood literacy and kindergarten readiness assessment. It proposes:

  1. Kindergarten Entry Assessment (Section 1):

    • The Commissioner of Education must implement a kindergarten entry assessment to evaluate how well incoming kindergartners meet prekindergarten learning standards.
    • School districts and charter schools must use an approved assessment tool that aligns with state early childhood standards.
    • The Department of Education will offer technical assistance and professional development.
    • Schools must report assessment results annually, and public reporting will be included in state performance reports.
    • The requirements will be phased in over three years, with full implementation by the 2026-2027 school year.

  2. Early Childhood Literacy Pilot Programs (Section 2):

    • An expert panel will be convened to review literacy research and recommend improvements in early childhood literacy, focusing on family engagement, curricula, professional development, instructional practices, and assessments.
    • Pilot programs will be implemented based on expert recommendations, covering various early learning settings, including public pre-K programs, Head Start, licensed childcare centers, and family childcare settings.
    • An independent research organization will evaluate the effectiveness of these programs in improving literacy outcomes.
    • Annual public meetings will be held to assess the pilot programs, including input from legislators, educators, and program participants.
    • By February 1, 2029, the commissioner must submit recommendations to expand proven literacy improvement approaches.

  3. Funding (Section 3):

    • A one-time appropriation of $3.5 million from the state’s general fund is allocated for implementing, evaluating, and reviewing these pilot programs. This funding is available until June 30, 2029.

The bill aims to improve early literacy outcomes in Minnesota by integrating research-based assessments, structured literacy approaches, and pilot programs to identify best practices for statewide implementation.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 26, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEducation Policy
February 26, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEducation Policy
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "The bill clarifies assessment tools selection process."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the requirements for kindergarten entry assessment under section 124D.162.",
      "modified": [
        "Modifies the timeline for the implementation of assessment requirements."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "124D.162",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references section 120B.11 subdivision 1 regarding alignment of assessment tools to comprehensive achievement goals.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "120B.11",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill requires alignment of reporting with section 120B.11 subdivision 5.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "120B.11",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Public reporting of kindergarten readiness results is part of performance reports under section 120B.36.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "120B.36",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References reporting consistency requirements with section 120B.35 subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (2).",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "120B.35",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines 'structured literacy' by referencing section 120B.119 subdivision 15.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "120B.119",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 15"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References alignment of tools used for screening under section 120B.12.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "120B.12",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

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