This bill, H.F. No. 1766, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, relates to education finance and proposes a grant for economic and financial literacy education and teacher professional development.

Key Provisions:

1. Purpose:

   • The Minnesota Council on Economic Education (MCEE) may provide professional development programs for K-12 teachers in economic and financial education.

2. Use of Grant Funds:

   • Teacher Training & Curriculum Development: Support for teachers implementing state graduation standards in economics and financial literacy.
   • Student Programs: Funding for student-focused economic and personal finance programs, supervised by teachers or delivered directly by the MCEE.
   • Research: Studies on the effectiveness of economic and financial literacy education to ensure curriculum quality and improvement.
   • Higher Education Involvement: Support for economic and financial literacy education centers at institutions such as Minnesota State University Mankato, St. Cloud State University, and St. Catherine University.

3. Reporting Requirements:

   • The MCEE must submit:
     • A midyear report (due February 15) and
       
     • A year-end report (due August 15) to the Commissioner of Education.
       
   • Reports must include details on:
     • Teacher training sessions, participation, and evaluations.
     • Direct-to-student programs and their effectiveness.
     • Research conducted on economic and financial literacy education.

4. Grant Payment Schedule:

   • The Minnesota Department of Education will pay the grants in two equal installments:
     • 50% by August 15
       
     • 50% by February 15
       
   • Fiscal reporting is required, and additional financial details may be requested by the Commissioner.

5. Funding Allocation:

   • The bill appropriates $800,000 per fiscal year from the general fund to the Minnesota Council on Economic Education for these programs.

Summary:

This bill provides funding for teacher training, curriculum development, student programs, and research to improve economic and financial literacy education in Minnesota's K-12 schools. It mandates performance reporting and partners with higher education institutions to enhance financial education initiatives. The funding totals $800,000 annually.