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SF3061 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Teacher licensure requirements modification related to the Read Act

Related bill: HF2864

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This legislative bill aims to modify teacher licensure requirements in Minnesota to improve literacy education, aligning with the goals of the Read Act. The main focus is to ensure that every child reads at or above grade level and to support multilingual learners and students with special education needs.

Main Provisions

  • Local Literacy Plans: School districts must adopt and annually update a local literacy plan aimed at achieving grade-level reading proficiency from kindergarten and supporting multilingual and special education students. These plans must be evidence-based and follow guidelines set out in the Read Act.
  • Teacher Training Requirements: By July 2026, specific groups of teachers, including those working in early childhood and special education, must complete approved structured literacy training. Training is also required for those involved with selecting literacy materials and providing reading interventions.
  • Teacher Licensure Renewal: New requirements for evidence-based literacy training will be implemented for teachers renewing their licenses across different tiers, starting from July 2025.
  • Curriculum Review: A review cycle for curricula and professional development programs, emphasizing evidence-based practices, will be implemented beginning in 2030 to ensure they meet the Read Act's standards.
  • Reporting Requirements: Districts must submit their literacy plans to the commissioner of education annually, and the commissioner is required to report on these plans to legislative committees.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Increased Training and Certification: Mandatory structured literacy training for teachers across multiple education levels. The bill outlines deadlines for completing these training and incorporates these requirements into the licensure renewal process.
  • Curricula Evaluation and Updates: Routine evaluations of educational programs and materials to ensure alignment with evidence-based and structured literacy practices.

Relevant Terms

  • Read Act
  • Local Literacy Plan
  • Multilingual Learners
  • Special Education
  • Structured Literacy
  • Tiered Licensure System
  • Evidence-Based Practices
  • Professional Development

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEducation Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A process to assess students' foundational reading skills.",
        "A description of evidence-based intervention methods."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amends Minnesota Statutes section 120B.12 subdivision 4a related to local literacy plans.",
      "modified": [
        "Requirements for updating and submitting local literacy plans."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120B.12",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement for training from approved evidence-based programs."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modifies professional development requirements for teachers under section 120B.123 subdivision 5.",
      "modified": [
        "Extends training deadlines for various educator groups."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120B.123",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Reduces hours of instruction temporarily under section 120A.41 for teacher training.",
      "modified": [
        "Reduction of instructional hours for specific school years."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120A.41",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References reductions in hours under subdivisions defining elementary and secondary schools.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "120A.05",
    "subdivision": "subdivisions 9 and 13"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Requires reporting using student categories under 120B.35 subdivision 3.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "120B.35",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  }
]

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