Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to formalize the Multitiered System of Support (MTSS) and the Collaborative Minnesota Partnerships to Advance Student Success (COMPASS) into state statutes, ensuring a structured framework for school improvements across Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• COMPASS Implementation: From July 1, 2023, all Minnesota school districts and charter schools are required to be offered training and support to implement the MTSS framework through the Department of Education and the Minnesota Service Cooperatives.

• MTSS Framework: This is a comprehensive, systemic school improvement approach aimed at positive outcomes in social, emotional, behavioral, developmental, and academic areas for every student. It is inclusive of culturally and linguistically responsive practices.

  • Infrastructure and Practices:
  • Effective leadership and positive school climates.
  • Authentic family and community engagement.
  • Multilayered tiers of instruction (core, supplemental, intensive).
  • Use of valid assessment tools for evaluations.
  • A data-based decision-making process.

• Training and Support:

  • The bill mandates that support and training be available for implementing MTSS and COMPASS to improve areas such as literacy, math, social-emotional learning, and mental health.
  • Universal screening processes will help identify students at risk of academic or social-emotional difficulties.
  • Notifications and interventions for at-risk students must be documented and communicated to parents.

• Funding Provisions:

  • State funding will be utilized to increase capacity for MTSS and COMPASS implementation, offer grants for local MTSS coordinators, and streamline reporting processes.
  • A regional network will be developed for mathematics support, including hosting an annual instructional institute.
  • The University of Minnesota will support implementation and evaluation efforts via its Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The MTSS and COMPASS frameworks, previously outlined in session law, will be integrated into Minnesota statutes, providing a more stable and permanent structure for these educational support systems.

Relevant Terms

MTSS, COMPASS, Minnesota Service Cooperatives, school improvement, culturally and linguistically responsive, literacy, social-emotional learning, mental health, universal screening, data-based decision making, state funding, Mathematics Standards-Based Instructional Institute, University of Minnesota.