This bill seeks to codify the framework for Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and the Collaborative Minnesota Partnership to Advance Student Success (COMPASS) from session law into Minnesota statutes by amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 121A.201.

Key Provisions:

1. Definitions:

   • COMPASS: A statewide school improvement model, providing implementation training and support for school districts and charter schools through the Minnesota Department of Education and regional partners.
   • MTSS: A continuous school improvement framework providing equitable academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and developmental support through responsive, evidence-based practices.

2. Implementation of COMPASS & MTSS:

   • All Minnesota school districts and charter schools must have access to training and support for implementing MTSS.
   • COMPASS provides a statewide system of support focusing on literacy, math, social-emotional learning, and mental health.

3. Core Components of MTSS Framework:

   • Districtwide infrastructure, leadership, professional learning, and positive school climate.
   • Collaboration with families and communities.
   • Multi-layered tiers of instruction and intervention (Tier 1: Core, Tier 2: Supplemental, Tier 3: Intensive).
   • Valid assessments for student and system-level performance.
   • Data-driven decision-making to evaluate and improve student support.

4. Training & Support Obligations:

   • The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and regional partners (Minnesota Service Cooperatives) must provide training and support for MTSS implementation.
   • Support includes:
     • Literacy, math, social-emotional learning, and mental health improvement.
     • Streamlining reporting through One Plan.
     • Early warning indicators for students at risk of not graduating.
     • Evidence-based dyslexia screening and intervention.
     • Parental notification regarding student screening outcomes.
     • Monitoring student progress and intervention effectiveness.
     • Annual reporting on MTSS implementation outcomes.

5. Funding:

   • State funding will support:
     • Increased MTSS implementation capacity within the MDE and regional partners.
     • Grants for districts, charter schools, and cooperative units to implement MTSS.
     • Development of a regional network dedicated to mathematics training.
     • Support from the University of Minnesota’s Center for Applied Research & Educational Improvement to assess MTSS implementation.

Summary:

This bill formally establishes MTSS and COMPASS in Minnesota law, ensuring that all school districts and charter schools receive state-supported training, intervention strategies, and assessments to improve student academic achievement, mental health, and social-emotional learning. It designates state funding to assist in implementation, professional development, and statewide collaboration efforts.