Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance the educational support for English learners in Minnesota by establishing new credentials for educators and revising funding and reporting requirements related to English learner programs.

Main Provisions

• Microcredentials for Educators: The bill introduces a voluntary microcredential for directors and coordinators of English learner and emerging multilingual learner programs. This microcredential is intended for administrators to specialize in English learner education.

• Revenue Formula Adjustment: The current funding formula for English learner programs will be modified, ensuring increased financial resources, specifically targeting students with limited or interrupted formal education. This aims to meet the unique educational needs of these students more effectively.

• Staff Ratio Reporting: The bill mandates the creation of a reporting system for English learner staff ratios. This requires schools to track and report the number of staff dedicated to English learners in proportion to the student population, ensuring transparency and proper resource allocation.

• Rulemaking: Authorization is provided for rulemaking to implement these changes effectively. This involves setting up guidelines and procedures to support the successful execution of the bill's provisions.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• New Credential for Administrators: The bill adds a subdivision to existing statutes to include the new microcredential for English learner program administrators, representing a new voluntary qualification path.

• Revenue Adjustment for Specific Students: Changes are made to the English learner revenue formula to allocate additional resources to students experiencing educational disruptions, enhancing support for their specific educational challenges.

• Reporting Requirement: Introduction of a new requirement for schools to report English learner staff ratios to improve accountability and resource distribution.

Relevant Terms

• Microcredentials
• English learners
• Emerging multilingual learners
• Revenue formula
• Limited or interrupted formal education
• Staff ratio reporting
• Rulemaking
• Educational administrators