Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to update and expand the literacy incentive aid program in Minnesota. It seeks to enhance educational outcomes by providing more resources and financial aid for literacy programs, particularly focusing on early education and support for English learners.

Main Provisions

• Modification of Literacy Incentive Aid: The bill introduces changes to the literacy incentive aid, including new types of aid such as basic literacy aid, English learner literacy aid, and targeted literacy aid.

• Funding Allocations: It specifies how literacy aid should be calculated based on proficiency, growth, and other factors like English learner concentration and poverty concentration in school districts.

• Eligible Uses of Literacy Aid: The bill sets out specific uses for the literacy incentive aid, including:

  • Training for teachers and staff in evidence-based reading instruction.
  • Employment of literacy leads and intervention specialists.
  • Purchase of approved screening and intervention materials.
  • Coverage of substitute teacher costs and stipends for training completion.

• Focus on Early Grades: The allocations are tied to the number of students in kindergarten through fourth grade, emphasizing early literacy development.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Expanded Definitions and Concentration Factors: The introduction of English learner and poverty concentration factors to determine aid eligibility represents a tailored approach to addressing diverse educational needs.
• Adjustment to Reporting and Eligibility: Changes in the reporting of eligibility for free and reduced-price meals aim to streamline and ensure accurate data for determining aid allocations.

Relevant Terms

literacy incentive aid, proficiency aid, growth aid, basic literacy aid, English learner literacy aid, targeted literacy aid, evidence-based reading instruction, English learner concentration, poverty concentration, Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment.