SF2027

SF2027 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Early childhood literacy pilot programs establishment

Related bill: HF1736

AI Generated Summary

This bill establishes early childhood literacy pilot programs in Minnesota and amends existing kindergarten entry assessments. It includes the following key provisions:

Kindergarten Entry Assessment Update:
- Requires school districts and charter schools to use approved assessment tools for evaluating incoming kindergartners' early learning.
- Implements assessments aligned with state early childhood standards.
- Mandates annual reporting of results to the Minnesota Department of Education.
- Phases in mandatory compliance over three years, starting in the 2025-2026 school year.
Early Childhood Literacy Pilot Programs:
- Establishes an expert panel to review literacy research and recommend best practices in areas such as family engagement, curricula, professional development, instructional practices, and assessments.
- Directs the Minnesota Commissioner of Education to implement pilot programs in various early learning settings, such as public pre-K programs, Head Start, and licensed childcare providers.
- Requires an independent evaluation of the pilot programs to assess their impact on literacy outcomes in preschool and early elementary grades.
- Calls for annual public meetings to review program progress, identify challenges, and suggest improvements.
- Mandates a final report with recommendations for scaling up effective literacy strategies by February 1, 2029.
Funding:
- Appropriates $3.5 million from the general fund to the Department of Education to support the pilot programs, with funding available until June 30, 2029.

The bill aims to enhance early literacy development through structured literacy approaches and data-driven assessments while involving educators, families, and experts in the process.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 26, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
February 26, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
February 26, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Referred to	Health and Human Services
February 26, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Referred to	Education Policy
February 26, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Education Policy
March 09, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Author added

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New processes for assessment implementation and reporting requirements."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends the section 124D.162, concerning kindergarten entry assessments.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates the tools and support provided to school districts and charter schools for implementing assessments."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "124D.162",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This legislation references the achievement and civic readiness goals.",
      "modified": [
        "Aligns kindergarten entry assessments with state academic standards."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120B.11",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references section 120B.12 concerning the alignment of tools used for screening.",
      "modified": [
        "Aligns the kindergarten entry assessment tools with existing screening tools."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120B.12",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This legislation modifies the reporting needed for comprehensive achievement and civic readiness.",
      "modified": [
        "Aligns the annual reporting requirements of kindergarten entry assessments to existing school reports."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120B.11",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references section 120B.36 regarding performance reports.",
      "modified": [
        "Includes kindergarten readiness results in performance reports."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120B.36",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This legislation is consistent with the manner of reporting specified in section 120B.35, subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Ensures public reporting of kindergarten readiness aligns with existing frameworks."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120B.35",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines 'structured literacy' in accordance with Minnesota Statutes section 120B.119, subdivision 15.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "120B.119",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 15"
  }
]