The Minnesota Young Readers Club Program for Literacy Support bill proposes the establishment of a literacy program aimed at providing culturally and linguistically appropriate books to students in prekindergarten through grade 5 who are reading below grade level. The program aligns with Minnesota's existing Read Well by Third Grade initiative and the Read Act and seeks to improve reading proficiency by building home libraries.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Student Eligibility:

   • Students in prekindergarten through grade 3 who do not meet grade-level literacy benchmarks based on universal screening.
   • Students in grades 4 or 5 who scored below proficiency on state reading assessments.
   • Any pre-K through grade 5 student recommended by a teacher, reading specialist, or intervention team.

2. Implementation and Enrollment:

   • Teachers, counselors, and schools are encouraged to refer students and engage families in the program.
   • Schools should provide information about the program via progress reports and literacy assessments.

3. Book Distribution and Strategic Partnerships:

   • The Minnesota Department of Education will partner with an organization experienced in book selection, promotion, and distribution.
   • Books will be selected to match students' reading levels, reflect cultural diversity, and be age-appropriate.
   • Materials must be delivered at least once per month to schools or students' homes.

4. Family Literacy Support:

   • Each delivery will include family support materials to help integrate books into daily reading routines.
   • Resources will be culturally adapted and translated into home languages as much as possible.

5. Program Evaluation and Reporting:

   • The Department of Education will collect data on student participation, reading habits, and family engagement.
   • An annual report on program effectiveness and potential improvements will be submitted to state education committees.

6. Public-Private Partnerships and Community Engagement:

   • The program may collaborate with private entities, businesses, libraries, and literacy organizations to enhance resources and literacy initiatives.
   • Schools may host community literacy events to engage families and promote reading.

7. Appropriations:

   • The bill allocates funding from the general fund to implement the program and contract services for book distribution.
   • Any unspent funds from the first year will carry over into the second year.

Summary Conclusion:

The bill aims to promote early literacy development by ensuring students reading below grade level receive culturally relevant books and family literacy support. By partnering with strategic organizations, encouraging family engagement, and evaluating the program’s impact, the Minnesota Young Readers Club seeks to support student success in literacy across the state.